The Corps also used the opportunity to conduct breathalyser tests on drivers to check their alcohol levels before departure noting that drivers found above the acceptable alcohol limit would be barred from travelling.
By Christian Njoku
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday urged drivers to prioritise safety, warning that there was no supermarket where human life or parts were replaced.
The warning was given by SC Innocent Etuk, Sector Commander, Cross River Command of the FRSC during a sensitisation campaign in Cross River parks in reaction to the two-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration
Etuk said the sensitisation was part of efforts to educate motorists ahead of increased travel during the festive period by Muslim faithfuls and other travellers.
He emphasised the importance of drivers adhering to traffic rules and avoiding reckless driving to ensure safe journeys.
According to him, the Corps also used the opportunity to conduct breathalyser tests on drivers to check their alcohol levels before departure noting that drivers found above the acceptable alcohol limit would be barred from travelling.
“In such cases, passengers will be transferred to another vehicle to ensure their safety,” he said. He warned that alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of road crashes.
The FRSC boss also cautioned against overloading, describing it as a major cause of accidents, adding that they had deployed special patrol teams to clamp down on violators during the period.
He urged passengers to play active roles by monitoring drivers and discouraging unsafe practices such as distraction and to report dangerous driving to appropriate authorities.
“Passengers must take responsibility for their safety, If a driver overspeeds, caution him or report through emergency lines.
“Life has no duplicate and it is important for all drivers to note that no supermarket exists where human parts are bought and replaced in the case of any loss,” he said
On his part, a Driver, Mr Otobong Edet, who works with Rivers Joy, one of the parks visited by the corps commended the FRSC for the initiative, describing it as timely.
He pledged that drivers in the park would comply with safety rules, including avoiding alcohol and overloading.
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Another driver, Mr Usen Bassey, said the sensitisation would help reduce accidents if sustained.
He, however, identified poor road conditions as a major challenge facing drivers, appealing to government at all levels to ensure that the roads in the nation are fixed.
A passenger, Miss Victory Ibilare, also praised the exercise, noting it would improve safety awareness among drivers.
Ibilare advised drivers to treat passengers respectfully and ensure their comfort throughout the journey.
“One major challenge we always have is excessive luggage also known as overloading, I urge travellers to prioritise safety while travelling.
“It is not advisable for every member of a family including their luggage to travel at the same time while this may overload a vehicle, it also reduces safety,” she noted.
