As Nigerians join the global community to celebrate
this year’s valentine day; slated for 14th February, 2014, the
Federal Road Safety Corps has placed its operatives on intensive routine
patrols nationwide at strategic locations, in order to have an accident-free
celebration.
According to the Corps Public Education Officer,
Jonas Agwu, while the Corps has finalized arrangements to ensure a crash-free
celebration, the Nigerian motoring public have been urged to celebrate love
with caution by obeying all traffic rules and regulations.
Speaking further, Agwu stated that this year’s
valentine day initiative forms part of the Corps’ nationwide intervention
patrols, pursuant to its 2014 strategic goals with a projection for 15%
reduction in road crashes and 25% decrease in fatalities.
Specifically, the Corps warns the motoring public
to desist from road vices such as excessive speeding which presently ranks as
number 1 causative factor for road crashes in the country, in addition to the
use of phone while driving, non-use of seat belt by all occupants of a vehicle,
and overloading, stressing that patrol teams have been mandated to arrest and
prosecute violators on the spot.
He also harped on the negative impact of drunk
driving which often results to blackouts, euphoria, loss of co-ordination,
balance impairment, poor judgement, impaired memory and slow reaction among
drivers under the influence of alcohol.
According to him, alcohol-related road crashes have
remained a major global concern, which has taken the front burner over the years,
adding that “the Corps in compliance with the United Nations decade of action
for road safety, has developed its awareness campaigns and enforcement of
traffic rules around four major pillars of drunk-driving, use of mobile phone
while driving, overloading and speed violation”.
Taking cognizance of the timing for this year’ s
lover’s day celebration, he therefore urged fun seekers to be conscious of
exceeding their basic alcohol limits (BAC) while drinking and to ensure proper
functioning of vehicles such as head and tail lights to enhance visibility
while driving at night.
While recalling the increasing cases of
tyre-related crashes which presently ranks number 3 among causative factors for
road crashes, the Corps wishes to remind the motoring public to
avoid the use of fairly used tyres and ensure that their tyres are
in good condition, noting that their support and co-operation is critical to
the Corps’ intensified efforts towards achieving its corporate strategic goals
for 2014.
Members of the public are equally advised to call
the Corps’ emergency toll free line 122 in case of traffic crash or other
traffic-related issues.
Jonas Agwu
Corps Commander
Corps Public Education Officer
For: Corps Marshal/Chief Executive
Tags
Society