The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti State Command has declared open its ember-months campaign to sensitize the public against night travel and the need to drive safe during the said months.
The FRSC Zonal Commander, Assistant Corps Marshal Hygenius Omeje stated this recently in the state while disclosing that 41 deaths were recorded out of a total of 102 road traffic crashes while 292 persons were injured in the last eight months in the state.
The Zonal Commanding Officer further commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his contributions towards the development of good road networks in Ekiti state while cautioning motorists against reckless driving occasioned by alcohol and drug consumption, use of telephone while driving and other traffic offences that are capable of putting the lives of other road users in danger.
He said “bad roads and general insecurity around the nation are also contributing to the increasing rates of auto crashes and loss of lives on Nigeria roads”.
The FRSC boss who is in charge of Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi State zonal offices stated further that there is need for more functional and visible approaches at making sure that Nigerian roads are safe”.
ACP Omeje further explained that the ember months have been noted as a period of intense end of the year activities when a lot of people are usually on the roads to meet up with their targets before the year winds up.
He stated that the development has resulted to increase in movement of human and vehicles on the roads which often lead to impatience, poor sense of judgement and all forms of traffic infractions on the high ways.
In her address, the FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Elizabeth Akinlade stated that the FRSC would partner with faith-based organizations and other stakeholders to sensitize the public on ways to reduce auto crashes during the yuletide seasons.
Akinlade urged drivers in the state to observe and adhere to driving rules as well as to ensure that no one goes against the rules in order to minimise road crashes in the state.
Declaring the campaign open, the State Governor who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi appealed to the leadership of the road transport workers, the RTEAN and NURTW to educate their members against drinking while driving and violating traffic rules while on the road.
He, however, charged security agencies to ensure that they monitor motor parks with a view to ridding the parks of sellers of alcohol and illicit drugs.
Egbeyemi therefore enjoined the Federal government to make available to each state one towing vehicle in order to facilitate the prompt removal of faulty heavy trucks on the high ways to ensure free flow of traffic in the country.
The ceremony was well attended by stakeholders, motorists and tricycle riders association across the state.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
