By Praise Chinecherem
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has called on drivers to apply caution and common sense while operating on highways to ensure road crashes’ reduction in the state.
Sector Commander, Joyce Alexander gave the advice in a press briefing as part of activities marking the International Customers Service Week designated globally to celebrate customers and service providers.
She regretted number of crashes recorded across the country, which she said were traceable to speeding, stressing that smooth roads were not guarantee for excessive speeding.
She said, “From our findings and statistics, we discovered that speeding is the major cause of road traffic crashes in Nigeria. For example, loss of control most times comes with unmanageable speed.
“There’s what we call common sense or comfortable speed limits, but most drivers don’t apply that while driving, particularly on smooth roads.
“Personally, I have the tendency to over-speed; but because I work with FRSC, and see statistics which I know are not just figures, but human beings, I drive with caution, with my eyes always on the dash board.
“This year, we’ve recorded reduction in crashes. But we’re not celebrating yet because while crashes have reduced, the number injured has increased. So we need to something about that.”
The FRSC boss however hinted that the Corps was yet to commence enforcement of speed limit devices on motorists in the state until necessary arrangements were put in place.
“We’ve not started arresting violators because we’re trying to ensure certain things are put on ground. We don’t want to do anything without adequate preparations, including ensuring preparedness for the installation,” she added.
Identifying drivers license and number plates as critical areas FRSC had largely impacted on its customers, Alexander noted that the Corps had offered maximum services to its communities across the State.
She however expressed concerns over attitudes of most vehicle owners towards driver’s license which she attributed to backlog of uncollected licenses.
“Yes, there are cases of system malfunctioning which the Corps Marshall, immediately he assumed duty, ensured it was rectified and our systems are up and running again.
“I can assure you authoritatively that our driver’s license centers are producing, while those backlogs are being cleared gradually.
“We send notices to drivers informing them that their licenses are ready but most of them don’t respond and can’t explain the reason.
“Even overseas, parties are thrown when an 18-year old obtains driver’s license because they appreciate the difficulty in obtaining such licenses. Fathers even accompany their eligible children for issuance of driver’s license.
“But in Nigeria, we think you can just walk in and out with your license in your hands, a microwave-like service. It doesn’t work that way.
“We appreciate network connectivity challenges, but that shouldn’t be the reason to be frustrated. If we attach importance to license and number plates the way we do to bank transactions, we’ll be patient with the system,” she explained.
Alexander further announced that the International Customers Service Week which commences from 7 – 11 October, would feature award of letters of appreciation and commendation to few customer services as well as those who provide the services.
“We’ll also be using the week to celebrate our staff because it takes a good organization to have satisfied customer base,” she added.
Appreciating state government’s support
towards ensuring safer roads in the state, Alexander emphasized the importance of building what she called forgiven roads as part of safe system approach to road safety.
“FRSC is neck deep into recommending to authorities responsible for road constructions to ensure the roads have infrastructure that can cushion impact of crashes on both the passengers and vehicles.
“Road Safety is everybody’s responsibility.
Some of the rescue operations we carry out are reported to us by the public and passersby.
“Government has been supportive, and we need more of such as we continue to carry out our duties, with support of Special Marshalls and other relevant agencies,” Alexander stated.
