The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has warned motorists to avoid getting drunk behind the wheel, as it gives false confidence which could result in road crashes.
Mr Dauda Biu, Corps Marshal of the FRSC, gave the warning on Tuesday during the special motor park mega rally organised by the FRSC, Ondo State Command, at the Ondo Motor Park in Akure.
The theme of the programme is “Driving Tired Is As Dangerous As Driving Drunk: Avoid Night Trips, Worn Out Tyres and Excessive Speed”.
Biu, who was represented by Mr Charles Edem, Corps Commander of FRSC and Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Abuja, said that most of the crashes that occurred on the highways were fatigue-related
According to him, drinking gives drivers false confidence and energy, thinking they are experts in everything, while tired driving brings lack of concentration which normally results in road crashes.
He called on drivers to always be on the side of the law and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on driving on the highway.
“As the Easter festive period is approaching, our drivers need to be in right states of mind to avoid crashes which could result in loss of lives and properties.
“If you are tired, you need to rest, because whatever you take as energiser cannot help you, rather it can only result in crashes.
“If the body needs rest, please ensure you take rest. It is very important because fatigue impacts on you negatively. Drunk driving also impacts on you negatively and gives you false confidence that you can do and undo.
“So, we encourage you to take enough rest , take care of yourself, equally your vehicle and passengers by driving them safely, especially while on the highways,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, FRSC State Sector Commander, who explained that the theme of the event was quite pregnant, said that the corps could not afford further loss of lives and property in the country.
SonAllah, therefore, called on major stakeholders in the road transport subsector of the economy to support the FRSC in it’s drive, as a lead agency, to eradicate preventable carnage and loss of property to road traffic crashes.
“Available statistics worldwide indicate that effect of road traffic crashes on a country’s economy is enormous, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.
“The onus, therefore, lies on all of us to be resolute and united in this course,” he said.
SonAllah, who appreciated Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for his untiring efforts, charged motorists to imbibe, cultivate and practice safe motoring and spread the massage of safety to others.
Mr Adeyeye Ebenezer, who represented Mr Tobi Ogunleye, Senior Adviser to the Governor on Transport, appreciated the corps, saying government would continue to do its part to ensure the road was safe for the people in the state.
“We will continue to partner FRSC and other agencies in the state, and construction and rehabilitation of roads will continue to be our priority for.the safety of our people,” he said.
Mr Adewale Bankole and Niyi Eniba, Chairman, Ondo Park and the Lagos Branch Chairman respectively, applauded the FRSC for the sensitisation.
According to them, it will go a long way to help their members to adhere to road rules and regulations.
They said that it had become necessary for members to check their vehicles, especially tyres, wipers and other valuable things, before embarking on any journey.
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