The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Dauda Biu, on Tuesday led a special patrol along Zuba-Kaduna expressway to ensure compliance to traffic rules and regulations.
Biu said respect for traffic rules and regulations would ensure safer highways and free flow of traffic, adding that the nationwide special operation was to check the excesses of motorists.
”I want to appeal to haulage vehicles that carry goods and animals to be cautious, please don’t carry goods with passengers this festive period.
‘Vehicles designed for goods only, should be used and those designed for passengers should also be use only for that purpose.
“We have witnessed fatal crashes involving trailers and trucks that carried animals and human beings or products and humans and those crashes are usually fatal and severe.”
The corps marshal directed officers and other stakeholders to watch out for such vehicles and apprehend them.
Biu also cautioned motorists against overloading, speeding, dangerous driving and night journey.
“The message is clear, control your speed, do not overload your vehicle and ensure the vehicles are in good order and condition.
“Avoid dangerous driving and plan your trip very well ahead of time. Leave in time, so that you can go at a normal pace.
“I want to appeal to all motorists to avoid night travelling because of the dangers associated with night travels,” he said.
The Acting President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Issa Ore said that members have been adequately sensitized on the need to give maximum cooperation to the FRSC for effective traffic management during the yuletide.
Isa said that a Special Task Force had been constituted in all major motor parks to check intake of alcohol, drugs or any illicit substances by drivers.
”The message has been passed by the FRSC. We are here to campaign and advise motorists that their safety is our priority; we join the corps marshal and appeal to motorists to follow the rules and regulations by not overloading their vehicles.
“Don’t drink and smoke while driving so we can have a safe festival and good celebrations, “he said.
Also, the President, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, said that they were ready to support all efforts towards reducing road accidents.
The fliers were distributed to motorists encouraging them to respect the rights of other road users.