Operation Zero Crashes: FRSC urges motorists to accommodate other road users

The Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has urged motorists to accommodate other road users and drive at controlled speed this yuletide.

Oyeyemi gave the advice on Tuesday in Enugu while inaugurating ‘2021 Operation Zero’ crashes with the theme: “Maintain Safe Speed, Avoid Night Travels and Enjoy Quality Road Experience”.

The corps marshal, represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal in-charge of Zone 9, Mr Francis Udoma, urged motorists to fix faults in their vehicles to avoid breakdown on the way and causing hold-up for other road users.

According to him, FRSC officials and its stakeholders will be in every nook and cranny of the country virtually 24 hours to attend to every road issue, be its traffic control, road emergencies and healthcare.

“I will want to use this avenue to appeal to travelers on public transport to join vehicles at designated parks and not on the road as well as duly fill their passengers’ manifest for security and safety reasons.

“Plan your journey ahead of time and leave early on the day of the journey in order to arrive early to your destination. Since you have left early, you will better manage any unforeseen circumstances on the way.

“If it is possible and at your disposal, please avoid night travels and use the night hours to have a rest from the daily running around,” he said.

Oyeyemi, however, urged those who recently bought vehicles and learnt driving newly to hire a time-tested driver to convey them to distant destinations so that they would not fall victim of road crash due to road freight (fear).

Speaking, the Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Joseph Udoabba, said that his command had put all measures in place to ensure citizens, especially motorists, had a positive and quality road experience this yuletide.

Udoabba said that the command had got the consent of all sister security agencies and specialised departments to ensure there were enough men and back-up to ensure success of the operation.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We want all to get involved so that we will continue to reduce crashes on our roads to the barest minimum,” he said.

In a goodwill message, Brig.-Gen. Christopher Ataki, the Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, assured the FRSC of the support of the Nigerian Army anytime needed.

“Road accidents affect everybody. I thank the FRSC for this initiative. With the simulation and show of readiness I have seen here, I believe motorists will have a pleasant experience this season,” Ataki said.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Lawal Abubakar, urged motorists and drivers to ensure that they were in good health and took enough rest before embarking on a long journey.

Abubakar, who was represented by CSP Nath Omeje, said: “The police will continue to support the FRSC to ensure that no life is lost this season and Nigerians travel safely and return back to their stations.”

Mr Nnanyelugo Ezeani, Head of Department, Planning, Research and Forecasting of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), assured the FRSC of the agency’s support for prompt emergency responses.

“We appreciate the FRSC for this well-fashioned operation meant to reduce carnage on the roads and save lives,” Ezeani said.