‘Alcohol Causes 25,000 Deaths On Road’

No fewer than 25,000 persons lost their lives daily from road accidents with majority of them resulting from driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Free Zone Plant Fabrication International Ltd, Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Rivers State, Engr. Babajide Soyode dropped this hint during a public enlightenment rally organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Rivers Transport Company (RTC) Park, Waterlines, Port Harcourt recently.

Engr. Soyode said the belief by some drivers that alcohol and drugs kept them alive and bold while driving was wrong, stressing that alcohol and drugs have  negative and direct effect on human senses and body parts.

“The activities of drivers involves the use of the human senses and body part, which include your eyes , hands legs and your mind (brain), and  alcohol and drugs have a direct effect on these senses when you use them while driving”.

He noted that alcohol are hypo-active depressants that could make individuals become poor in reflexes, slow in taking decisions and possibly, have blurred vision.

The General Manager warned that no worker should be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty except prescribed by a qualified and competent doctor, adding “Always remember that safety is in your hands”.

Engr. Soyode, who was represented by the Coordinator, Health, Safety and Environment of the company, Anthony Osayande, in his paper on drugs, drink and drive said motorists on drug put their lives and others in danger, pointing out that, “a hero is one who drives and returns home to the waiting arms of his family and loved ones”.

Earlier, the Executive Director of RTC, Pastor Bassey Eyo thanked the organisers of the rally for choosing their Park, and assured that the beneficiaries would put into practice what they have learnt for effective road usage.

Collins Barasimeye