South East breaking News
By Steve Unegbu
The Commercial Drivers operating in Abia state and its environments have been charged to make Safety their priority this Ember months while conveying their passengers to their various destinations .
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps ,Abia state ,
Corps Commander, Meshach A. Jatau ,who gave the charge during the 2020 Ember months Flag-off campaign with the theme : Drive Safe ,Stay Safe ,held at Choppy Park by Abia tower ,in Umuahia,said that
the theme of this year’s campaign is aptly chosen to reflect the current global challenge of the covid-19 where compliance to safety measures is a major factor in staying safe,adding that the Ember month’s safety campaign was conceived against the background of perennial traffic upsurge witnessed at this season,pointing out that experience has shown that the number of traffic crashes increases during this period alongside injuries and death resulting from the crashes
According to him ,” safety must be our basic concern so that we are not caught -up in avoidable road crashes “
He stated that ,” As we drive safely through to the New year ,I wish to enjoin all road users to remember to obey all traffic rules and regulations “
He urged those travelling by distances, to remember to check the mechanical efficiency of their vehicles before embarking on that journey, ” check your vehicle tyres,all tyres have expiry dates ; vehicle tyres are expected to expire after 4 years from the date of manufacture .These dates are stamped on the tyres, make sure you check those dates before purchasing your tyres ” he insisted.
The Abia FRSC Boss ,charged drivers to avoid unnecessary speed ,revealing that speed thrills but it kills .
He called on them to avoid overloading, use of phone while driving ,to always use their seat belt ,avoid driving against traffic, and do not drink and drive .
He said that FRSC had initiated several measures in order to reduce crashes on our highways, noting that the processes and procedures for obtaining the National Drivers have been standardized such that ” we hardly find quack drivers on our roads ,even as he added that the National Vehicle Inspection scheme is also programmed to enhance safety and security.
In their separate speeches ,some of the stakeholders ,including the Nigerian Police Force,the DSS ,the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps ,the Nigeria prison services, the Nigerian Army ,the different representatives of drivers association ,among others expressed the happiness over the interactive session.
In his speech, the representative of the Abia state commissioner of police, ASP Obechi Eric ,said the police and the Federal Road safety corps have been working hand to hand to ensure safety on the road, adding that police is readily available to partner with FRSC to continue to ensure safety on our roads.
In his speech, the representative of the zonal commander of Federal Road safety corps, Dep .Corps Commander Ogbodo A., urged drivers to always maintain all driving and traffic rules and regulations.
In his contributions,the vice chairman Abia Drivers Union , Comrade Ejike E .Ogbonna ,lauded the Federal Road safety corps for organizing such an interactive session to sensitize commercial drivers ,while urging all drivers not to drink and drive and not to rush when driving to avoid loss of life .
The State Commissioner for transport Chief Godswill Uche Nwanoruo, said the ministry would collaborate with FRSC to ensure the safety of road users in the state during festive period.
He advised drivers to desist from drinking before driving, adding that the state government may review the sale of alcoholic beverages in motor parks.