PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE USE
ABUJA; 13 FEBRUARY, 2014
As Nigerians join the global community to celebrate this year’s valentine day; slated for 14th February, 2014, the Federal Road Safety Corps has placed its operatives on intensive routine patrols nationwide at strategic locations, in order to have an accident-free celebration.
According to the Corps Public Education Officer, Jonas Agwu, while the Corps has finalized arrangements to ensure a crash-free celebration, the Nigerian motoring public have been urged to celebrate love with caution by obeying all traffic rules and regulations.
Speaking further, Agwu stated that this year’s valentine day initiative forms part of the Corps’ nationwide intervention patrols, pursuant to its 2014 strategic goals with a projection for 15% reduction in road crashes and 25% decrease in fatalities.
Specifically, the Corps warns the motoring public to desist from road vices such as excessive speeding which presently ranks as number 1 causative factor for road crashes in the country, in addition to the use of phone while driving, non-use of seat belt by all occupants of a vehicle, and overloading, stressing that patrol teams have been mandated to arrest and prosecute violators on the spot.
He also harped on the negative impact of drunk driving which often results to blackouts, euphoria, loss of co-ordination, balance impairment, poor judgement, impaired memory and slow reaction among drivers under the influence of alcohol.
According to him, alcohol-related road crashes have remained a major global concern, which has taken the front burner over the years, adding that “the Corps in compliance with the United Nations decade of action for road safety, has developed its awareness campaigns and enforcement of traffic rules around four major pillars of drunk-driving, use of mobile phone while driving, overloading and speed violation”.
Taking cognizance of the timing for this year’ s lover’s day celebration, he therefore urged fun seekers to be conscious of exceeding their basic alcohol limits (BAC) while drinking and to ensure proper functioning of vehicles such as head and tail lights to enhance visibility while driving at night.
While recalling the increasing cases of tyre-related crashes which presently ranks number 3 among causative factors for road crashes, the Corps wishes to remind the motoring public to avoid the use of fairly used tyres and ensure that their tyres are in good condition, noting that their support and co-operation is critical to the Corps’ intensified efforts towards achieving its corporate strategic goals for 2014.
Members of the public are equally advised to call the Corps’ emergency toll free line 122 in case of traffic crash or other traffic-related issues.
Jonas Agwu
Corps Commander
Corps Public Education Officer
For: Corps Marshal/Chief Executive
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