By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has tasked drivers to adhere to safety rules by desisting from conveying goods and passengers on the same truck.
The Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Paul Okpe gave the warning during a sensitization of the National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW), Aduwawa Truck Drivers chapter on the need to stop the carrying of goods and passengers together.
Mr. Okpe said the sensitization was to engage the leadership of the truck drivers union on how to drive on the highway, imbibe safety culture, and stop using truck for carrying load and passengers.
“We going to go round other locations of the union in the state to also sensitize them. It is not a good practice and when accident happened, most of the passengers always died and we want to reduce accident on the road”
He added “We are happy that the drivers are keying into the exercise. They assured us of their support. They have also given us good advice especially stopping the loading of passengers and goods from the north.
According to him, after sensitization, the corps will commence enforcement on erring drivers, noting “with the assurance they gave us, we are sure that the menace would be eradicated.
“We are using public enlightenment and enforcement to curb this menace.
“This campaign launched by the Corp Marshal, Alhaji Dauda Biu is ongoing across the country” he said .
He however called on the drivers to imbibe road safety culture and refrain from carrying animals and passengers as it is not a good practice
On his part, Chairman NURTW Heavy Truck, Aduwawa branch Alhaji Badamasi Muhammed, commended the FRSC for the sensitization and assured them of total support.
“This issue has been worrying us but we are not government that can stop it, but now that government is interested, it is going to stop.
“And they should stop it from the north where they are loading goods and passengers.
“So, we will join the FRSC and talk to our driver to ensure that loading of goods and people together is not good and should be stopped.
“Last time, about 50 people died when a truck conveying cow and human beings had accident” he said.