In the spirit of emphasis on safe journeys and free movement of commuters and transporters devoid of road traffic crashes, especially during the busiest season accompanied by the end of the year, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has sensitised motorists in Kaduna state on safe driving.
At an awareness campaign held at the popular Kawo park on Friday in Kaduna, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, Hafiz Muhammed, said the agency has put in place several mechanisms to ensure lesser traffic crashes as the year ends.
Hafiz, represented by the Head of Operations of the Sector Command, DCC Frederick Ogidan, cautioned the drivers against drunk driving, stating that it has led to the loss of many lives and accounts for the highest number of road crashes in Nigeria.
“The rate of road traffic crashes as a result of drinking and driving is very alarming. Accidents that could have been prevented or could have been avoided occur as a result of drinking and driving.
“Alcohol impairs the vision and senses. By the time somebody drinks and the person is impaired, it endangers the lives of other road users, You discover that if there is a crash that could have been avoided, multiple people go.
He also cautioned them on over-speeding, urging them to always watch out for road signs while ensuring they have speed limiters.
Hafiz, however, commended the drivers in the park, noting that they were hardly found wanting on most of the rules and regulations concerning road traffic and usage.
He urged them to continue doing so for the safety of their lives and that of their passengers.
On his part, Alhaji Bature Sulaiman, the National Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said the aim of the sensitisation is to enlighten drivers and other road users.
He said, “It is our hope that activities such as this sensitisation will impact positively by way of changing the attitude of our drivers so that they will comply more with traffic rules and regulations.
They will be more orderly in the way they conduct themselves while on the road, and they will also appreciate the fact that they will be prepared before using the road.
And once they comply and adhere to this advice we have given to them, it will translate into a reduction in the number of crashes. “
The awareness campaign was accompanied by alcohol tests, eye and blood pressure tests for the drivers and those already about to take off on journeys.
