By Peter Moses
Abeokuta
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun state has disclosed that it would deploy over 1, 000 officers, 35 patrol vehicles to ensure safer road and respond to emergencies during the Christmas period.
The Sector Commander, Clement Oladele, disclosed this yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the 2017 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign Mega Rally themed: “Right to Life on the Highway Not Negotiable.”
Oladele said five life-support ambulances, three roving patrol motor bikes and a heavy duty tow truck would also be deployed for the exercise.
According to him, the aim is to ensure effective management of expected upsurge in human and vehicle traffic to minimise road accidents during the period.
Oladele stated that the command had resolved to reduce by at least half the 21 number of people that died from traffic crashes in the state highways during 2016 ember months’ operations.
“From our data of 19,010 commercial vehicles and 228, 100 passengers that travelled last ember month in the state, we are anticipating about 300,000 passengers will travel between December 25, 2017 and January 1, 2018. We have planned a 24/7 patrol operations especially on the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway with resolve that we would not allow any passenger stranded on the highway,” he said.
He urged passengers to board only commercial vehicles affixed with standard speed limiters, driven by licensed drivers and fitted with standard tyres.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, in his goodwill message, commended the FRSC for the programme, saying that it was important to sensitise motorist ahead of the festive season.
Iliyasu urged all road users to be careful during the season, adding that the police would continue to collaborate with the FRSC and also ensure a crime-free society.
