The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 950 personnel for Christmas and New Year special patrol operations in Kwara.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Kwara FRSC Public Education Officer, Basambo Busari, on Friday in Ilorin.
According to Busari, 350 special marshals, 120 first respondents, 40 patrol vehicles, two power bikes, four ambulances, four private tow trucks and a 70 ton tow-truck are deployed for the operations during the period.
“The special operations are necessitated by the attendant increase in movement of vehicles across road corridors in the state during the festivities, and the need to address road traffic encumbrances associated with such increase,” he said.
He said that the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, has also deployed personnel for traffic control at strategic locations within Ilorin township and major cities in the state.
The sector commander admonished motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations by avoiding speeding, overloading, obstruction, use of phone while driving and passenger manifest violation while driving.
Dawulung also warned motorists to desist from operating vehicles of mechanical deficiency, rickety vehicles and driving with worn-out tires, among others.
He emphasized the need for drivers to avoid night journeys and take adequate rest of 30 minutes after every 4-hour drive as safety of life should be prioritized over pecuniary gains.
The FRSC Kwara Command will further organize public enlightenment campaigns, mega rally in all interstate motor parks, early morning cry, advocacy at places of worship and markets to sensitize the motoring public, the official said.
According to him, the command will also carry out special traffic control operations to ease the road congestion in Ilorin metropolis with three other traffic control camps established at Bode Saadu, Jebba and Olooru to ease traffic within the respective axis.
”The heavy tow truck, ambulances and standby rescue teams will be stationed along major highways within the state for immediate clearance of obstructions and rescue operations when the need arises.
”The operation is in line with the Goal 1 of FRSC 2023 Corporate Strategic Goals, which stipulates five per cent reduction in road crash fatalities and injuries.”
Besides, Dawulung advised motorists to drive with caution and wished Kwara residents Happy Christmas and New Year celebrations.
