FRSC TO DEPLOY UNDERCOVER OFFICERS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING YULETIDE

The  Ijebu-Ode Unit Command  of the FRSC on Wednesday said  it would use undercover operatives in commercial vehicles to check the excesses  of drivers during the Yuletide. The unit’s Commander, Mr Issah Seidu, said this while launching the 2012 end-of-the-year campaign and rally in Ijebu-Ode.

He expressed  the hope that the initiative would help in the arrest of reckless drivers.
“We have decided to incorporate into this year’s campaign two key issues; the first is Beyond the Road Project that will focus on the driver’s state of health and behaviour.
``We want to make sure that the driver is fit as a road user through checking his high blood pressure  and sugar level, among other things.
``The Passenger Road Watch will involve plain cloth operatives of the corps travelling in commuter vehicles and monitoring drivers’ behaviour in the course of the journey.
``They are to caution them and if the driver refuses to yield to his advice, he will immediately alert the nearest FRSC Patrol Team for arrest of the driver.
``The only way to ensure safety and reduce to the barest minimum the carnage being witnessed daily on our highways is to obey traffic rules and regulations.
``We are going to give it all that it takes to make sure that we safeguard lives in the ember months and even beyond,’’ he said.
Seidu also warned that the operating licence of any transport company whose drivers violated the law would be revoked  while  the drivers would face appropriate sanctions.
The unit commander blamed the high rate of road crashes being recorded on the recklessness of drivers on the highways.
He also accused commercial drivers of  ignoring traffic rules and regulations, saying that the development had led to the death of many innocent Nigerians.
Seidu  expressed regret that no fewer than 40 people lost their lives in three major road crashes in the area within two months.
The rally, he said,  was organised to enlighten, educate and create necessary awareness on the need for a safe  road culture by motorists and commuters.

The Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr Adegaye Lawrence, enjoined road users to cooperate with the FRSC.
Lawrence also admonished drivers to exercise more caution while plying the roads.
Mr Badejo Badebo, who represented NURTW, said that all the lessons learnt from the rally would be imbibed and  passed on  to other drivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rally was attended by representatives of the NURTW  and Road Transport Employers Association of  Nigeria (RTEAN).
Others included Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (TORAN) and civil society groups.       (BY NAN)