Ember Months: Fr. Kelvin Ugwu’s Safety Tips Before Praying Against Accidents

As September begins, marking the start of the ’ember months,’ a Catholic missionary priest in Gambia, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has urged Nigerians to prioritize safety.

Ugwu emphasized that vehicle owners should focus on maintaining their vehicles properly before praying against accidents and so-called ‘blood-sucking demons.’

His advice comes amidst persistent superstitions in Nigeria, where many believe that road accidents and other risks increase during the ’ember months’ (September to December). Despite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) repeatedly debunking these claims, the belief in such dangers remains widespread.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Ugwu outlined five practical safety tips:”Ember Months: Fr. Kelvin Ugwu’s Safety Tips Before Praying Against Accidents”

1. Vehicle Maintenance: Perform essential maintenance on your vehicle, such as changing the oil, checking the brakes, and replacing the shock absorbers or coolant if needed.

2. Tyres :Ensure your tyres are in good condition, as they bear the vehicle’s load, transmit traction, absorb shocks, and maintain the direction of travel. Worn-out tyres pose a serious danger.

3. Alcohol: Avoid driving under the influence. If you must drink, don’t drive, and if you plan to drive, don’t drink.

4. Seatbelts: Always wear your seatbelt, regardless of the distance. If you think it’s too short a trip to need a seatbelt, then it’s too short to drive. Walk instead.

5. Speeding: Avoid speeding. The road is not a racetrack, and there’s no prize for overtaking other vehicles. Reckless driving increases the risk of accidents.

Ugwu stressed that safety should come first, and by following these guidelines, drivers can help reduce accidents during the ’ember months.’