FRSC Warns Against Over Loading

Motorists in Rivers State have been cautioned against the effects of overloading and the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.

The Route Commander of  the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Rivers State Command, Mr G Ukaegbu gave the warning during a sensitisation rally organised by the command at Mile 3 Motor Park, Ikwerre Road, Diobu, Port Harcourt recently.

Mr Ukaegbu said the campaign rally which was targeted towards re-sensitising the motoring public, said overloading and use of mobile phones while driving had been identified as the prevailing cause of road traffic crashes in the state, and called for a change of heart.

The Route commander, who centered his lecture on Traffic Laws on Overloading and use of phones, also cautioned drivers not to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol as well as warned against impatience among others that cause road accident and traffic gridlock.

According to him, road traffic crashes has become a cause of premature deaths, injuries and disabilities to road users, adding that it had also become a burden on the health system and enjoined all drivers to adhere to this clarion call which was geared towards the realization of safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles and safer road users.

In his speech, the Executive Director of Rivers Transport Company (RTC), Pastor Eyo Bassey reiterated the need for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to caution their members on safe driving on the highways, stressing that human factors account for the greater percentage of road crash.

Pastor Eyo further stated that if not checked, there would be catastrophe and the nation and indeed the state would continue to lose able bodied men and women, who represent not only the future of their families, but of the entire society.

Also speaking, the chairman of NURTW, Mile 3 Park chapter, expressed gratitude to the corps for closing their park for the rally which he said would go a long way to bring about changes in attitude by the drivers, and noted that it would help reduce road traffic crashes, as drivers would strictly adhere to their advise.

The sector public enlightenment officer, Joyce Anya in her vote of thanks commended all for making the rally a huge success.