By Praise Chinecherem
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has warned motorists, fleet operators and truck drivers against overloading, use of expired tyres and other road traffic violations to reduce road crashes in the state.
The new Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander, gave the warning in Awka weekend during a meeting with drivers, transport unions and fleet operators.
She regretted that most road crashes that led to fatalities could have been averted if necessary cautions were taken.
She disclosed plans by the Command to constitute joint task force comprising FRSC and transport operators to ensure drivers flouting traffic rules and regulations were arrested and punished accordingly.
She said, “I am barely three weeks old in Anambra and while visiting different areas to monitor compliance to road safety rules I discovered problems of overloading, speeding and road obstruction.
“This meeting is for us to talk to drivers and fleet operators on the need to adopt safety attitudes, obey traffic rules and consider other road users for safer traveling experience in the state.
“We can not achieve that without cooperation and partnership with transport operators. I’m appealing for your support as major stakeholders in the transport industry to enable me succeed.”
Underscoring the need for vehicle owners to confirm manufacturing and expiry dates of tyres before purchase, Alexander warned that expired tyres could endanger lives of both drivers and their passengers.
“Drivers must also possess valid licences and ensure passenger’s manifest are properly filled. The beauty of the manifest is that in case of unconsciousness or death, the victim’s relations or next of kin can easily be contacted.
“Manifest is not only for accidents, it’s through the manifest you can be contacted in the event of loss of items. It also assists us to track the number of people that travel daily and advise the government accordingly,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Mr Ozoemena Okoye, Chairman, Truck Drivers Association of Nigeria, promised cooperation and support to ensure the new Sector Commander succeeded.
“We will take this message to our various transport companies and unions and ensure our drivers adhere to road safety rules but we appeal to FRSC officers to treat drivers as partners in progress,” he said.
