The  Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, has urged Christians to imbibe Christian ethics of tolerance and patience while driving so as to prevent road traffic crashes.

Chidoka said this on Sunday during a Church service at Christ Redemption Church, Enugu to mark the 2010 World Day of Remembrance for Road traffic victims

“We should recognise the impact of road traffic crashes and support those who are affected by doing more to prevent these tragedies across the roads.

“Adopting the spirit of forgiveness for those that cause road crash for our relations will go a long way in ensuring that we do not seek to revenge for such deaths, disabilities or incapacitation our loved ones sustained during accident,’’ he said.

The corps marshal called on leaders of Churches to put zebra crossing and other road signs on entrances into their church to warn motorists and make the Church safe for road users, especially children.

He said the corps had reduced road accidents by about 35 per cent while the number of those injured also reduced by the same margin.

Chidoka regretted that no fewer than 60 to 70 people lose their lives weekly on the roads, and advised that since nobody was immune to road crash; all hands must be on deck to check carnage on the roads.

He said the corps would acquire heavy duty towing vans that would be distributed to different state commands to enable them to remove vehicles involved in accidents.

On the FRSC academy at Udi, he debunked allegation that the project had been abandoned, saying that work was still ongoing at the premises.

He said that he chose Enugu for the Remembrance Day, because the message had to be taken across the country. “It has been held in Abuja in the last three years.

“I have been doing it in Abuja in the past three years, more importantly, as the ember months are here. People will travel down to the East, so we need to heighten our campaign,’’ he said.

Gov. Sullivan Chime represented by Mr John Egbo, Commissioner for Transport, noted that road accidents would be reduced, if people observe road safety rules.

He said his ministry had been collaborating with FRSC in organising seminars for motorists on the need for safety on roads and that 1,000 road traffic signs had been installed at strategic locations in Enugu.

“In addition to improving our road infrastructure, Enugu State Government has acquired 13 ambulances to be stationed at strategic points on the roads that traversed the state.

“Also government has signed an agreement with a foreign firm for the introduction of a mono rail. They are all aimed at reducing road accidents on inter and intra city routes,’’ Egbo explained.

The event which was being observed nationwide featured special rededication and protection prayers for the corps marshal, officers and men of the FRSC.