Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-22 13:14:12
The Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to conduct a 24-hour special patrol along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway starting from Saturday. The main focus of this patrol is to address the issue of overloading, especially by articulated vehicles, with the aim of reducing road crashes and fatalities along the highway.
According to the Sector Commander, Kabir Nadabo, the special patrol will be carried out in collaboration with personnel from the Police, Civil Defence, transport unions, and the Kaduna State Traffic and Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA). Any vehicle found to be overloaded with passengers, animals, or goods will be required to offload the excess weight before being allowed to continue their journey.
Mr. Nadabo emphasized the commitment of the FRSC and its partner agencies to employ all necessary measures to minimize road accidents and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians. He also mentioned that the operations will be flagged off by the Corps Marshal, Mr. Dauda Biu, along with other service commanders in the state to underscore the significance of the exercise.
The primary objectives of the special patrol include fostering greater collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring effective patrol and prompt rescue operations, as well as timely response to clearing obstructions on the highway. Recent trends have necessitated a more robust strategy to tackle the issue of overloading, especially among motorists who travel at night.
The sector commander noted that from October 2023 to March 2024, the Kaduna Command of the FRSC recorded 12 crashes involving over 500 individuals, with 114 fatalities and 210 sustaining various degrees of injury. Most of the travellers involved in these incidents were from the North West and North East states, with Kaduna serving as a transit point for their journeys to the southern regions of the country.
Mr. Nadabo urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to refrain from overloading their vehicles with passengers and animals as it poses a significant risk to road safety. He also cautioned young men traveling to the southern part of the country for business or trade opportunities against patronizing vehicles that are overloaded, emphasizing the dangers associated with such practices.
In conclusion, the FRSC’s special patrol along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway aims to enhance road safety, reduce accidents, and protect the lives of road users. The collaboration with various security agencies and stakeholders underscores the commitment to addressing the issue of overloading and promoting responsible driving practices for the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
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