By Egbe Attah
The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria (FRSC), Otukpo Unit, has called on drivers to drive safely to avert accidents and avoidable deaths as the nation moves towards the ember months.
Speaking with The Voice last Friday in Otukpo, Benue State, the unit commander, Haliru Fatima, said it had become necessary in view of the deplorable state of roads in the area which had been worsened by the rainfalls.
The officer particularly warned against overloading and over-speeding which she noted are the major causes of road accidents, adding that motor tyres, fuel gauge along with other parts should be properly checked to ensure vehicles don’t breakdown while in transit.
“As we approach the ember months, it is important we give enlightenment to our motorists. Our roads are deplorable, giving rise to unfortunate happenings such as armed robbery, kidnapping and accident.
“We appeal to our drivers to avoid overloading, over-speeding, and ensure their motors are road worthy before embarking on any journey. The fuel gauge, gear, break, tyres and steering must be properly checked so as to avoid accident and vehicle breakdown on the roads. Accident has led to untimely death and incapacitation of many road users,” she stated.
She particularly decried the attitude of some motorcyclists in the area who, she said, are majorly reckless in their ride with most of them using vehicles without number plates and other particulars.
Commander Haliru advised such persons and motorists without valid documents to endeavour to obtain them as the officials of the corps would assume such vehicles were stolen and confiscate them until the right thing was done.
For those who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the FRSC boss warned them to desist forthwith, saying, “ if you drive don’t drink, if you drink don’t drive.”
The Otukpo unit commander thanked government for establishing vehicle inspection centre for ascertaining road worthiness of vehicles in the state, saying the move would help her unit in no small measure.
