FRSC in A’Ibom warns drivers against drink-driving

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned drivers to desist from drunk behaviour while plying the highway to avoid road accidents.

The State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Matthew Olonisaye said this while commemorating the 2021 West Africa Road Safety Organization (WARSO) at Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) park in Uyo on Saturday.

Olonisaye, who decried that though some of the road crashes were results of human errors like carelessness and impatience on the part of drivers, stressed that major crashes result from drink-driving behaviour.

“Road users should add value to their lives. Life does not have duplicates and therefore every individual should make sure that they drive carefully and shun the act of taking alcohol before driving.

“We are encouraging all road users that they should not truncate their journey on the way either by human error,” he said.

He expressed happiness at the UN’s adoption of resolution 74/229 which would improve global road safety between 2021 and 2030, adding that at least 50 percent of road traffic deaths and injuries would be reduced by 2030.

Speaking on the theme; Road Safety Consciousness in the Midst of Global Pandemic, Olonisaye urged the motoring public to adhere to Covid-19 protocols.

He advised all park and motor owners to ensure that “necessary facilities needed

 for passengers to guard against the spread of Covid-19 are provided, ensure the conveyance of two passengers per seat and proper use of face mask before commencement of any trips.”

“The message we are passing today is that, as Covid-19 is still ravaging till now, we are encouraging all operators to ensure that they comply with all the protocols regarding Covid-19. We have told them to desist from carrying excess passengers, rather, they should carry only a few.

“We advise Akwa Ibom people to stop any form of road infraction and be disciplined while on the road. They should not go more than the required speed and continue to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the usage of highways,” he added.

Reacting, the General Manager of AKTC, Mrs Angela Affia on behalf of the company, thanked the command for making their organization the place to be reached.

Affia, who confirmed that FRSC has been on the forefront in the fight against Covid-19 through sensitization, assured the company would still follow the safety protocols regarding the pandemic.