FRSC deploys 547 officers, men to ensure accident-free Easter in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom State Command says it has deployed 547 officers and men of the command to ensure an accident-free Easter celebration.

The Sector Commander, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, in a statement issued in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Thursday cautioned drivers against speeding to avoid road crashes throughout the Easter period.

Olonisaye called on all motorists and other categories of road users to apply caution while using the roads.

The sector commander said road safety is a shared responsibility that no single organisation could tackle alone without the support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders.

He said the command has mapped out strategies for effective coverage of all the routes across the 31 Local Government Areas to ensure that travellers move from one point to the other without hitch.

“To align with the Corps strategic goal of 15 per cent reduction in road traffic crash fatality, and ensure free-flow of traffic for ease of doing business in the state, 547 operatives including special marshals have been deployed to man strategic points and locations within the state. 

“For effective coverage of all critical areas, 11 Patrol Vehicles and two Ambulances were also deployed, while arrangements had been made for tow trucks to clear any obstruction during the period.

“Road Safety is a shared responsibility, it takes the conscious effort of all and sundry to keep our roads safe, even in the midst of whatsoever celebration. 

“To strategically administer her statutory functions, the Command will, in addition to the regular patrol operations, conduct Mobile court sessions in conjunction with the judiciary,” Olonisaye said.

He said the command during the period would carry out traffic count to determine vehicular volume in relation to various routes of the state, conduct traffic control at gridlock areas, and deploy a standby rescue team for rescue operations when the need arises.

He added that the command would conduct a Breathalyzer test to ascertain the blood alcohol concentration of drivers during patrol operations and at the motor parks.

“For the avoidance of doubt, critical enforcement targets will border on; Speeding and Dangerous Driving/Overtaking, Lane indiscipline/Route violation, Road Obstruction, Use of the phone while driving and Overloading.

“Seatbelt/Child Restraint Use Violation, Passenger Manifest Violation, Operating Mechanical Deficient/Rickety Vehicles, Latching and Twist-Locks Violation, Illegal Use of the Spy Number and other Number Plate Violations among others,” he said.

He reminded drivers and all road users that Life has no duplicate, hence, the need to conscientiously safeguard and protect it against all odds. 

The sector commander appreciates the efforts of all who contributed towards making the roads safe.