FRSC, Ebonyi Truck Drivers To End Road Carnage

The Federal Road Safety
Commission (FRSC), Ebonyi Sector Command, and the Articulated Drivers Union in the state have resolved to collaborate in ending carnage on the roads.
Our Correspondent reports that the collaboration was part of the resolutions reached at a meeting between both parties on Friday in Abakaliki recently.
Mrs Anne Abhiele, the FRSC Sector Commander in Ebonyi, told newsmen that the drivers admitted that their recklessness often resulted to several road accidents.
“The latest was the accident which occurred on September 11, where an articulated vehicle driver while overtaking dangerously, crushed a Toyota Camry Car and killed the occupant instantly.
“The drivers admitted that they drink before driving, overspeed and overtake dangerously, do not allow traffic on the left at roundabouts, among other traffic offences.”
Abhiele said that the drivers had, therefore, resolved to change their reckless behaviour, to ensure their safety and that of other road users.
“They even pleaded with the corps to visit their various parks and offices to enlighten their members on the need to obey traffic regulations, especially these ‘Ember Months’.
“The corps would cooperate with them by ensuring that our officers do not molest but assist them in necessary areas.’’
She said that the meeting would be continuous, to enable the commission to ascertain the level of drivers’ compliance with the resolutions and determine further steps to take.
Responding, Mr Ikwunne Onwurah, the Chairman, Ebonyi Articulated Drivers Union, commended the FRSC for convening the meeting.
He said that his members would comply with all the resolutions.
”The meeting was fruitful as it afforded our members, the opportunity of airing their views on the conduct of FRSC officials on the road while identifying their own areas of deficiency.
“Most of our members obey traffic regulations. However, majority of the carnage are caused by drivers who didn’t’ receive adequate driving tutorials but still drive on the roads.”
Onwurah said that the union had inaugurated a task force which monitors the activities of its members and files reports for appropriate sanctions.
“The task force, for instance, ensured that no driver plied the roads as this meeting was going on. They also identify those who drink before driving or engage in overloading, among other traffic offences.
“We give appropriate sanctions to erring drivers to serve as a deterrent to others, all in the bid to ensure safety on the roads,” he said.
Mr Patrick Oparaku, one of the drivers, urged the commission to check the excesses of its officers on the roads, saying that it contributes to dangerous driving in a bid to avoid them.