Lagos sector commander warns Nigerians against rickety vehicles

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against using rickety vehicles during the festive period to reduce carnage on the highways.

Mr Hygenius Omeje, the FRSC Sector Commander in Lagos State, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Omeje said that many commercial drivers failed to meet the basic safety standard by travelling with rickety vehicles without thinking of their passengers’ safety.

“Many times, during the festive period, drivers struggle to optimise time and make more income with hastily refurbished vehicles.

“Many grounded vehicles are hastily refurbished and put on the roads without meeting the basic safety standard,” Omeje said.

The FRSC chief also appealed to the drivers to avoid speeding, overloading, wrongful overtaking, and driving against traffic under the influence of alcohol.

He said that these could lead to avoidable crashes and untimely death during the period.

“Motorists should imbibe good driving culture by adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of driving.

“FRSC has made strategic effort toward meeting the traffic peculiarities of critical corridors by introducing a Special Intervention Patrol (SIP) with the aim of ensuring traffic de-congestion,’’ Omeje said.

He said that the system would ensure prompt removal of obstructions and quick response to Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) on the highways.

Omeje said that the project had been remodeled to reflect the emerging traffic and safety necessity during and after the yuletide.

He said that more could be achieved through the ember months’ safety campaign and the cooperation of motorists.

Omeje said that FRSC has commenced advisory enforcement on the speed limiters installation, aggressive campaign on tyre safety, overloading, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the use of seat belt.