The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Wednesday began sensitisation of motorists to reduce incessant accidents on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expressway had in recent times become death trap to many motorists due to ongoing road construction.
Speaking during the sensitisation and enlightenment campaign held at the Dadi Motor Park, Kwangila, Zaria, Kaduna State, Deputy Corps Commander, Stella Joseph-Numan said the sensitisation was necessary to curb deaths on the highways.
Joseph-Numan, who is also the Corridor Commander in charge of Zuba-Kaduna-Zaria Corridor Command, said: “You know we have been experiencing a lot of accidents due to the ongoing road construction and the attitude of some motorists.
“I want to appeal to motorists to be patient, our drivers are so impatient due to this road construction; there are many diversions on the way and motorists do overtake from the left and also from the right.
“These are some of the reasons why motorists should to be sensitised on the need to respect traffic rules and regulations toward safe arrival.
“I am here today to also monitor the preparedness of the Zaria unit command for the Easter patrol. We noticed that we are experiencing great loss, especially along the Kwanila bridge.’’
She said she was in Zaria to meet with transport stakeholders including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers of Nigeria (RETEN) and National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) on how to address the issue.
Deputy Corps Commander Stella Joseph-Numan addressing motorists at Dadi Motor Park, Kwangila, Zaria, Kaduna State
She cautioned drivers against reckless driving, over speeding, wrong overtaking, use of worn tyres, receiving phone calls while on wheels, alcoholism and drug abuse.
The deputy corps commander expressed satisfaction at the cordial working relationship that exists between the Zaria unit command and the unions and urged them to sustain the tempo.
Also, the Public Enlightenment Officer, FRSC Zaria Unit, Mr Idris Yahaya advised motorists who booked for drivers license to collect them.
“I want to appeal to motorists with temporary drivers license to come and collect the original copy, because many drivers license are yet to be collected.
“These licenses are your property and you are not permitted to drive by law unless you have it, so, kindly come and claim your property,” Yahaya pleaded.
Responding, the Chairman, NURTW Flyover, Alhaji Mustapha Lawal appreciated the FRSC for the sensitisation and said the exercise was timely and highly important to the members.
Lawal acknowledged that some drivers were impatient due to the ongoing road construction and they overtook from the right hand side instead of the left.
The chairman said that the union was highly impressed by the cordial working relationship between the two organisations.
NAN reports that the session also featured questions and answers.
(NAN)
