VIO mayor call for collective action to curb reckless driving in FCT

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), has urged residents of Abuja to join forces with the Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO) mayors to tackle reckless driving and overloading in the city and environs.

Dr Yusuf Suberu, National Coordinator, FCT squadron leader, Mayors of the Federation, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Suberu said that reckless driving and overloading which remained a major source of concern on FCT roads posed significant threats to road safety, causing accidents and gridlocks among others.

He emphasised the need for collective action to address the menace which he said had claimed numerous lives and caused destruction on FCT roads.

He also said that there was a need for more hands to free the roads of traffic congestion and bring sanity to the roads.

He, however, called on passengers to caution reckless drivers and report any incidents of reckless driving, overloading and other traffic offences to the relevant authorities.

“We must work together to change drivers’ attitudes and promote discipline on our roads,” he maintained.

Suberu, however, said that the VIO mayors, a volunteer arm of the DRTS, have been working tirelessly to curb reckless driving and reduce road crashes in the FCT.

Suberu said that the VIO mayors have launched a social media campaign, #SafetyDriveFCT, to raise awareness and encourage public participation.

According to him, under the “Operation Safety Drive” initiative, the VIO mayors aim to educate drivers on road safety and discipline, while also collaborating with relevant authorities to enforce traffic laws.

“We cannot do it alone. We need the support of every resident, driver, and passenger to make our roads safer. We must work together to change the attitude of reckless drivers and promote a culture of road safety.

“We also need passengers to caution reckless drivers and speak against overloading of vehicles and we urged them to report cases of such to the authorities. We need drivers to obey traffic rules and regulations and respect other road users.

“With the collective efforts of residents and stakeholders, we are confident that reckless driving and overloading can be reduced and road safety improved in the FCT. Together, we can make a difference,” he said.

Suberu commended the FCT Administration, Nigeria Police, and other stakeholders for their support, adding that more needs to be done to ensure sanity was restored on the highways