Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-23 11:07:48
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced its plan to collaborate with the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Kaduna to conduct compulsory psychiatric evaluations of motorists and other road users in the state. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and making the highways safer for everyone.
During a visit to the Medical Director of the hospital in Kaduna, the Kaduna Sector Corp Commander, Kabir Yusuf-Nadabo, expressed the FRSC’s commitment to effective collaboration with the hospital. He emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for traffic violations such as ignoring traffic lights, driving against traffic, or using mobile phones while driving. Offenders face punishments including seizure of their license, hefty fines, imprisonment, and compulsory psychiatric evaluations.
Yusuf-Nadabo noted that a significant number of road accidents are caused by reckless driving and emphasized the need for people to be brought for psychiatric evaluations to address this issue. Dr. Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u, the Medical Director of the hospital, echoed the importance of prioritizing the sanctity of lives to reduce the prevalence of road accidents in the country.
The forensic psychiatrist at the hospital attributed most road crashes to negligence and recklessness by drivers, commending the FRSC for its unwavering commitment to enforcing traffic rules and regulations. The psychiatrist also highlighted the need for attitudinal change from citizens and responsible leadership to address the issue.
The medical director emphasized the key role of attitudinal change and responsible citizenship, stating that a safer road culture begins with individual behavioral change. She also acknowledged the positive impact of responsible leadership in rewriting the narratives around road safety.
In addition, she commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the long-overdue ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets, emphasizing the role of substance abuse in contributing to reckless driving. She expressed the belief that the ban would encourage drivers to be more careful and reduce reckless behavior on the roads.
The announcement of compulsory psychiatric evaluations for motorists and road users aligns with the FRSC’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing the prevalence of accidents caused by reckless driving. By collaborating with the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Kaduna, the FRSC aims to address the root causes of reckless behavior on the roads and promote a culture of responsible driving.
This initiative reflects the urgency of prioritizing road safety and highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and healthcare institutions to address behavioral and mental health issues that contribute to road accidents. Through the implementation of compulsory psychiatric evaluations, the FRSC seeks to instill a sense of accountability and responsibility among motorists and road users, ultimately contributing to safer roads and a reduction in road accidents.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
