Kaduna – The Kaduna State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it conducts periodic special training for Convoy and Ambulance drivers to guide them on proper use of Siren.
The Head of Operations of the command, Mr Salisu Galadunci, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the measure was to check abuse of the gadget by convoy drivers.
According to him, sirens are ancillary gadgets that are supposed to be used professionally, stressing that most convoy drivers, however, are still ignorant of when and how to use them.
“The drivers are the problem; they are fond of using the siren to harass and intimidate other motorists and occasionally brush other people’s vehicles in the process.
“To check this practice, the command conducts periodic training specifically for convoy and ambulance drivers to educate and enlighten them on the proper use of the siren,” he said.
Galadunci said that the law allowed some public office holders, financial institutions, ambulances, fire service and security agencies to use siren when moving in convoy or for security reasons.
“Bank bullion vans are allowed to use sirens when conveying money or security documents, and ambulances too, are permitted when moving dead bodies or victims of emergencies.
“Security agencies like the military, police and FRSC among others, are also allowed to use siren during emergency, ‘’he said.
The official explained that sirens were designed with different tunes for different purposes, but mainly for emergencies.
“Sirens inform other motorists or the public that the occupant is in distress and needs to move faster; or needs to move patients or dead bodies faster; or needs to move security items or documents faster,” he said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560”]
He decried the rampant abuse of the siren among security agencies.
“You will find an empty convoy or a driver of a government functionary going on an errand alone, but will be blowing the siren anyhow, particularly at traffic, causing nuisance to the public.
“Bank bullion van drivers are also guilty of the act. They abuse the siren anywhere they are going, even when they are not conveying any money or security documents.
“Even drivers of hospital ambulances not carrying any patient or dead bodies blow sirens indiscriminately.
“Also, it will interest you to note that pilots of traditional rulers who are allowed to use siren often use sound meant for ambulances instead of sound to give way.
“This is not allowed under the National Road Traffic Regulations and the FRSC Act, “Galadunci said.
He reminded drivers and members of the public that the law guiding the use of siren was still in force, ‘’and there is a penalty for every wrongful act’’.
He, however, said that the command had not received any official complaint regarding siren abuse or any incident associated with it.
“And our patrol team has not come across any such incidence, but that is not to say that it is not happening.
” If anyone is caught in the act, his vehicle would be impounded and would face the wrath of the law, “the official said. (NAN)
