By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Rivers has advised private and commercial vehicle operators in the state to refrain from embarking on night journeys to avoid accidents during the Ember Months.
Mr Imoh Etuk, the Sector Commander, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Etuk said those who embarked on night journeys were often subjected to threats of robbery attacks, burst tyres as well as difficulties in attending to mechanical faults.
“Drivers should plan their journeys ahead and avoid traveling at night due to impairment of vision and other dangers associated with night driving.
“Motorists should do everything possible to restrict their journeys to day time because the roads are not in good shape (pot holes) sometimes while some roads have recently become unsafe.
“Also, in the events of accidents for which the corps carries out 24-hour daily rescue operation – rescue done at night is different from rescue in the day time,” he said.
He said the corps had already begun its ember month enlightenment campaign themed “Right to life on the highways – not negotiable”.
The sector commander said the campaign sought to enlighten motorists on the dangers of reckless driving and other unwholesome practices inimical to safety on the highways.
According to him, the corps will visit motor parks, markets, Churches, Mosques and media organisations to enlighten the public and inform them about sanctions that await offenders.
“Motorists should take note that we will impound vehicles that are overloaded and those without speed limiting device, and subject those who drive against traffic to psychological examination.
“We will also enforce the law against drivers caught speeding and those who drive under the influence of alcohol. This is because alcohol impairs visibility and decision making.
“The corps is also talking with passengers against engaging drivers in unnecessary conversation to avoid them losing concentration while driving on the highways,” he said.
Etuk said that FRSC personnel would be assisted by special marshals to ensure that there was no traffic congestion during the yuletide season.
He said the special marshals had already installed traffic signs at strategic roads like Peter Odili, Abuloma, Ikwerre, Rumuola, Ada George, Trans Amadi Kaduna nine other roads in the state.
The sector commander said discussion was ongoing with the judiciary with a view to increasing the number of mobile courts during the period.
“There will soon be adequate traffic signs installed so that people don’t get punished for what ordinarily they ought to know by Highway Code,” he said.
He urged the public to contact the command on emergency situations and report any acts of corruption by officials on its 122 – toll free line.