FRSC Boss Harps on Safety Consciousness

By Abuchi Onwumelu

The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Mr. Sunday Ajayi, has advocated the culture of safety consciousness among the motoring public to minimize the rate of crashes on the road. Mr. Ajayi made the call at a training programme held for safety managers in Onitsha.

Addressing participants while declaring the programme open, Mr. Ajayi observed that the vision of the Commission was to among others, ensure safer road environment and created a standard for optimal performances. He said the Standardization Scheme was initiated to address critical issues and curtail excesses among drivers and other road users.

The Sector Commander maintained that the Commission would leverage on policies and framework guiding their operations, as well as strategize on enforcing compliance among the public. He reminded the motorists on the need to promote safety measures, including installation of speed limiter device, and cautioned against recklessness and abuse one way drives, urging them to be part of the change initiative in the system.

Earlier in a lecture, the Assistant Corp Commander of the Onitsha Unit of the Commission, Mr. Paulinus Akpotoro, while highlighting on the basic vehicle maintenance tips for safer and efficient operations, stressed the need for proactive measures and attitudinal change among the drivers, pointing out that fifteen percent reduction in fatality rate would not be achieved without focus.

In an address of welcome, the Sector Transport Standardization Officer, Route Commander Emmanuel Ohia, explained that the annual sensitization programme was designed to impart knowledge and mitigate losses due to carnage.

In a remark, the host and Director, Metallurgical Training Institute, Mr. Bode Fakuade, who underscored the relevance of training and retraining, observed the need for diligence and adherence among road users. He said the programme had helped in curtailing casualties and encouraging the people not to run foul of the law.

Some participants, including Messres Vincent Okwuma, Vincent Agbo, and Angus Peter, said the reorientation had re-awakened their consciousness and equipped them with more knowledge towards reduction of accident rates.