FRSC Links Accidents To Alcohol

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has blamed majority of accidents in the Federal Capital Territory during weekends on consumption of alcohol by motorists.

The FCT FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Kayode Fanola, made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday at a sensitisation rally, jointly organised by FRSC and EXXON Mobil at Jabi Motor-park.

He said that the use of cell phone while driving and not using seat belts also contributed to accidents in the territory.

“Our research has shown that most of the road accidents recorded during weekends within the FCT are alcohol induced as many motorists are fond of driving to drinking joints.

“And after taking so much alcohol, they still drive themselves home with their sense of judgment grossly impaired by alcohol.

“Such people only get home safely by stroke of luck.

“The use of cell phone while driving is a major cause of distraction which has been responsible for many road mishaps within the city,’’ he said.

Fanola said many regarded the use of cell phones while driving as a status symbol and advised motorists to change such habits.

The commander said that attitudinal change rather enforcement was one of the ways traffic rules violation could be dealt with.

“While enforcement is curative and effective in the short run, education is preventive and will ensure safer road for all in the long run,’’ he said.

Fanola promised that the FRSC would continue to engage stakeholders in programmes to create safety consciousness among the people to make the road safer.

The rally is expected to be held in all the satellite towns in the FCT.