Chinedum Treasure
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has solicited collaboration with transport operators in the state to ensure safety roads in the state.
Sector Commander, Joyce Alexander made the appeal on Friday in Awka during a meeting with heads of transport unions, fleet operators and articulated vehicle drivers in the state.
She said part of her plans included constituting joint task force of FRSC and transport operators to ensure drivers flouting traffic rules were punished accordingly.
Describing transport operators as major stakeholders in road safety management, Alexander said her success depended on their support and goodwill.
She said, “From time to time we’ll form joint task force, whereby you’ll assist us to be arresting your members violating traffic rules.
“When they see you as part of the team effecting the arrests, they will know it’s no longer business as usual and will be compelled to obey.
“I came to Anambra with a mind to succeed. That’s why I’m calling on everyone, including you people to support me to succeed. Since you’re always on the road, you’re my major stakeholders and once I get your cooperation, I’m already 70percent to success.”
The FRSC boss regretted that overloading, road obstructions, overspeeding, sell of alcohol in parks, use of expired tyres, non-usage of seat belts among other traffic violations as factors responsible for road crashes and loss of lives across the country.
“Since my arrival, I’ve observed all forms of overloading across the state. You can imagine tipper carrying animals and sands and people sitting top. You see poor market women sitting on top of goods at the back of trucks.
“We’ve registered lots of crashes in the last two years as a result of this menace of overloading. We know the economy is harsh, but you can’t because of that risk your life.”
Underscoring the place of passenger’s manifest in buses, Alexander urged passengers not to view it as “death sentence”, just as she called on drivers to insist on compliance, including indicating their blood groups.
“The beauty about the manifest is that in case of unconsciousness, or death, the victim’s relations or next of kin can easily be contacted. Also insist they indicate their blood group.
“Manifest is not only for accidents, it’s through the manifest you can be contacted in the event of loss of items. It also assists us to track the number of people that travel daily and advise the government accordingly.”
Responding on behalf of their members, Chairman Heavy Duty and Tipper Association, Ozoemena Okoye and General Manager, Ekwulobia Urban Mass Transit, Christopher Onyegbunna assured FRSC boss of support and cooperation.
They however appealed for tolerance and understanding from FRSC officials while dealing with their members, just as they promised to convey the message to them.
“We will take this message to our members and ensure they adhere to road safety rules but we appeal to FRSC officers to treat drivers as partners in progress,” they said.
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