Onitsha (Anambra)- The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has vowed to stop the crashes and carnage caused by articulated vehicles on roads in Anambra.
The commission said the measure was to stem the tide of deaths caused by such incidents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 31 more than 68 people died when a tanker laden with petroleum products rammed into a commercial bus park at Upper Iweka at Onitsha in Anambra.
Over 50 people were also hospitalised as a result of injuries they sustained from the accident.
The FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal in-charge of Federal Operations, Mrs Mary Wakawa, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN while inaugurating the second phase of “FRSC Operation Scorpion’’ at Onitsha.
Wakawa noted that “Operation Scorpion’’ was carried out for drivers of articulated vehicles, including lorries, trailers, trucks, tankers and low-bed vehicles – to strictly comply with traffic standards in driving such big vehicles.
“In the recent past, many road traffic crashes were caused by these articulated vehicles and the nation had lost a lot both in terms of human and financial resources.
“And we need to check this trend by beaming our searchlight on these articulated vehicles since our country is very much dependent on road transportation.
“And if we do not, these articulated vehicle crashes would soon cripple our economy and affect the life-style of our people,’’ she said.
The FRSC boss said that the week-long exercise was meant to sensitise, enlighten and educate the articulated vehicle drivers to be aware that the road was also meant for other road users.
“We aim to ensure that their loads are properly secured, their vehicles are properly maintained, their construction strong enough and their vehicles road worthy.’’
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She said that the commission would continue to enlighten articulated vehicle drivers’ associations and unions, adding: “Enlightenment and Advocacy are the Key to the Success of the Programmes of the FRSC”.
Wakawa maintained that the corps would focus more of its operation in Anambra because of its two major road corridors.
NAN reports that the FRSC mobilised over 100 officers and men, seven vehicles and a tow-truck for the operation.
The Delta State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Rindom Kumven, and his Anambra counterpart, Mr Sunday Ajayi, were on hand to see to the success of the operation. (NAN)
