By Edoamaowo Udeme
The Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed the Corps’ Operatives to cover 45 Corridors effectively during the Eid-El-Fitri Special Patrol which is expected to commence from 13 June 2018 to 18 June 2018.
According to a press statement released by the Corps Public Education Officer, (PEO), Bisi Kazeem, Oyeyemi said “A mass movement of people and goods across the length and breadth of the country is expected during the end of Ramadan festive season in preparation for Id – El – Fitri”.
He added that the Corps is also poised “reduce road traffic crashes at least by 15% and fatalities by 30% during the period”.
The corridors to be covered are Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano.
Others are Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos, amongst others.
Oyeyemi pointed out that “All hands must be on deck to ensure free flow of traffic, reduction in road crashes, improved enforcement of traffic laws, and improved enlightenment on the proper use of roads in Nigeria as the Country approaches a busy Eid-El-Fitri celebration”.
The Corps Marshal also added that attention should be given to “Effective Traffic control, Failure to install/use Speed Limiting Device by Commercial vehicles, Overloading, Lane Indiscipline, use of Phone while driving, Number Plate violation, Driver’s Licence violation, Removal of rickety vehicles on the roads and other obstructions, Driving with expired/worn out tyres and without a spare tyre”.
Oyeyemi also directed that “All patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, motor bikes other operational equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Alcholyzers and all other operational logistics materials in custody of commands are to be fully deployed for this exercise”.
” All Zebras and road side clinics must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported” he added
The operation has been programmed to run in shift as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs and Night Rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands. the report stated.
“The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)”. it added
While calling on all road users to imbibe the attitude of proper use of the roads by not only driving to stay alive, but equally to save the lives of other road users, Oyeyemi added that “In situations of emergency, motorists and other road users are advised to call toll free number 122”
