Anambra FRSC Sector Commander Meets Drivers, Warns Against Overloading, Reckless Driving
Drivers in Anambra State have been warned to desist from overloading their vehicles with good and human beings.
Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Joyce Alexander, gave the warning this during a meeting with representatives of various drivers unions at Amawbia, on Friday.
She said that the warning became necessary as the command has observed that drivers in the habit of overloading their vehicles with passengers and goods in a manner that becomes a burden and obstruction to other road users.
The Sector Commander also informed that she had observed within the three weeks she resumed in Anambra, that overloading is a serious issue that needs to be urgently addressed to avert disaster on the roads.
She said, “Although, overloading is not just peculiar to Anambra State, but I always try to do something about it anywhere I am posted to work. The worst part of overloading in Anambra is that it occurs with both goods and passengers.
“Tipper drivers will carry sand and passenger will sit on top. Other truck drivers do the same thing by carrying bags of garri and other foods stuff with women on top of the load.
“All these things are not good. Please tell your members to stop it. You are registering too much accidents on the road and when accident occurs, those people sitting on top of goods will not survive it because nothing would hold them.
“We know that situation is not smiling in the country at the moment and people are looking for what their daily bread. If you are looking for your daily bread and die, it is not a good one.
“We need you to tell your members to stop causing obstructions on the main road, over speeding, drinking alcohol and drugs. Obtain valid driver’s license, make use of seat belts when driving, desist from using expired tyres and stop carrying fuel in the Jerry can.”
She further stressed the need for passengers to ensure that they always fill the manifest, pointing out, “The essence of passengers manifest is in case there is accident and the person dies or becomes unconscious. Through the manifest, the next of kin of the victim would be traced. It also helps FRSC officials to ascertain how many vehicles have operated in a day, weeks or months as well as advise the government.
“Drivers are important for us to succeed. Anambra people will make me to succeed. I have come. Before I leave, I must succeed and you people are important for the success. Whatever I do with you people will help me to succeed.
“So, we will not stop at just being a road safety, working and arresting. From time to time, we will form joint taskforce. You will follow us to places where your members are causing obstructions. You will help us to arrest your members. You will work with us. It would not be only FRSC again this time.”
Responding on behalf of the drivers, driver from Ekwuluobia Mass Transit Bus, Christopher Onyegbuna as well as the Chairman of Heavy Duty/Truck Association, Deacon Ozoemena Okoye, commended the Sector Commander for deeming it necessary to educate and sensitize them on the safety tips.
They informed her that Anambra drivers have been cooperating with both the FRSC and Nigeria Police Force, and promised to support the sector command by spreading the gospel to their members.
