By Christian Njoku
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cross River State Sector Command, has vowed to clamp down on reckless truck drivers over rising fatal crashes on highways in the state.
Sector Commander, Innocent Etuk, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement while reacting to the fatal crash involving a truck and a bus conveying students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) from Uyo for an engagement.
According to Etuk, the move targets frequent accidents along the Odukpani–Itu road, known for recurring fatalities and injuries.
“Following the recent crash which left four persons dead and several others injured, the Corps has decided to crackdown on reckless truck drivers along Calabar-Odukpani.
“The Corps considers the actions of some truck drivers as devastating and avoidable, citing brake failure, overspeeding and wrongful overtaking as major causes of crashes,” he said.
The commander noted that loss of control by heavy-duty vehicles has continued to result in multiple deaths and injuries across the state.
He called for collaboration with stakeholders, including security agencies and transport unions, to strengthen enforcement and reduce road crashes.
He warned that the corps would no longer tolerate reckless driving and that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
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“I want to use this opportunity to urged truck owners and fleet operators to ensure regular vehicle maintenance and proper driver training.
“Similarly, passengers also need to speak up when drivers act recklessly, because collective responsibility is needed in road safety,” he noted
Etuk reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring safer roads across Cross River.
It would be recalled that the crash which took place along Calabar-Odukpani road claimed the lives of three students and the driver of UniCross bus who were returning from Uyo after a football match.
