Yuletide: Avoid alcohol, reckless driving, FRSC urges drivers

The Enugu State Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) sector Commander, Mr. Ogbonnaya Kalu has advised drivers in the country to avoid reckless driving and intake of alcohol while driving before during and after the yuletide period.

Kalu gave the advice during the flag-off of 2018 Ember months campaign rally titled “Safe Drive, Safe Arrival” in Nsukka on Tuesday.

He said majority of accidents on the roads were as a result of influence of alcohol and drugs which makes driver to resort to overspending and reckless driving.

“Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or engaged in overspending usually end up in fatal road accidents.

“Also some drivers do not maintain their vehicles, while most drivers who travel long distance journey do so with worn-out tyres.

“Some other drivers make and answer phone calls while driving which result in accident.

“Drivers that drive safely must surely arrive their destinations safely,” he said.

The sector commander noted that the FRSC had been doing its best to reduce road accidents in the state.

“I urge road users to at all times obey traffic rules and regulations. The road may be bad but with sound driving you will reach your destination safely.

“Passengers should caution reckless drivers and if he continues passengers should hand over such reckless driver to the nearest road safety office or security agency,” he said.

Also, the Unit Commander Nsukka command, Mr. Shuaibu Bello said the “Ember’ months safety campaign become necessary by the reality that in Nigeria that most events both religious and cultural festivals including weddings and house warnings usually come at end of the year.

“This in itself comes with traffic implications which put pressure and rush on roads because many people are traveling to their villages.

“The higher the traffic volume, the higher the chances of driver error and its consequences if proper road cautions is not taken,” he said.

The Commander said Nsukka FRSC unit would increase its traffic control and special patrol during Ember months to ensure safety for drivers and other road users.

“Defaulting drivers and other road users will be tried by mobile court.

“Today is the flag-off, we will take this ember safety campaign to all motor parks, markets and relevant places within the jurisdiction of the unit, “he said

He said recent records by National Bureau of Statistics had shown that there had been a reduction in road crashes in the country as result of the commission and stakeholders’ commitment as well as government constant support and called for its sustenance.