The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) it was deepening ongoing collaboration with the judiciary across the 36 states of the federation for speedy trial of drivers involved in road traffic crashes.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu said at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja that available records from road traffic crash reports, indicated that there was poor maintenance culture amongst motorists.
Ali-Biu said that there were issues of imbibing moral and ethical rebirth, which had become a major issue in the country.
He said “we witness unwholesome attitude and misdemeanours on the roads as well. Such noxious behaviour and attitudes as outlined above must change.
According to him, Commuters must imbibe the culture of courtesy, civility and consideration for other road users.
“They must learn to do the right thing at all times because, as you have the right to use the roads, so do others.
“All drivers and vehicle owners who caused crashes on the roads would definitely face the wrath of the law.
“This will serve as deterrent to others who were recalcitrant and drive dangerously or recklessly on the road”, he said.
Ali-Biu said that drivers must drive with the consciousness that members of their families, friends and loved ones were waiting for them at home, whenever they were on the road.
“At all times, drivers must be conscious of the fact that those they carry are breadwinners, family and friends to other people whose lives are precious to them.
“We must therefore, exercise restraint and show respect to each other while on the road”, he said
Ali-Biu recalled the crashes that occurred in Gaya Junction, kano State and that of Tashan yari in Kaduna State on April 18 and 19 where a total of 18 people lost their lives.
He said that the two crashes which were caused by use of substandard tyres were highly avoidable.
This, he said was possible if drivers took the advocacy and sensitisation campaigns the Corps dishes out on a daily basis seriously.
“ I say this because vehicle maintenance is central to the safety of the vehicle. This is a critical factor in minimum safety compliance that vehicle owners and drivers should not take for granted.
“May I also refresh your memories with the avoidable crash that occurred on the April 14
on the Oyo-Ogbomoso route.
“On that fateful day, a recalcitrant driver of a Toyota Hiace Bus that loaded passengers from Ibadan took ‘One Way’ that is route violation.
“He was on a speed that was against the legal speed limit on that route, when he crashed on to a Toyota Corolla saloon car, killing 19 innocent souls on the spot. These innocent victims were burnt beyond recognition, “he said.
The FRSC boss however, said that Passengers must always realise that they have the right to speak up anytime drivers refuse to comply with safety regulations while on transit.
This, he said was because the more passengers begin to speak to the conscience of the drivers, the more they wake up to their responsibilities and drive with maximum safety compliance.
