Borno Commissioner for Transport and other dignitaries at the official cutting of tape to flag-off the campaign in Maiduguri
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Borno has flagged-off this year’s Ember Months Campaign in the State.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Borno Express Motor Park in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the Borno Sector Commander, Sanusi Ibrahim tasked motorists on safe driving during and after the yelutide period.
Ibrahim said no fewer than 23 people lost their lives while 90 others sustained injuries in 11 road accidents involving 15 vehicles Maiduguri – Beneshiek road.
“From January to 23rd November, 2020, Benishiekh Unit Command recorded a total of 11 RTC involving 15 vehicles, total number of people killed: 23; total number of people injured: 90; prevalent causes: over speeding; tyre burst,” Ibrahim said.
The sector Commander noted that the ember month campaign was aimed at sensitising stakeholders in the road transportation sector and commuters on the need to be more cautious, vigilant and patient while plying the roads.
He said that the theme for this year’s campaign: “Drive Safe, Stay Alive”, was carefully selected to suit the ever- increasing vehicular population on highways, with attendant impatience on the part of most drivers.
“It is imperative to note that these deaths on our roads are avoidable, if only we can drive with care and obey road traffic rules.
“Most drivers, during this period, take little or no cognisance of their vehicles’ conditions before embarking on their trips.
“In most cases, the vehicle tyres are either worn out, expired, over-inflated or under-inflated, the drivers engage in drunk-driving, non-use of seatbelts or using phones while driving,” Ibrahim said.
He lauded the state government for its efforts at massively expanding roads in the state, particularly in Maiduguri, the state capital, thereby facilitating smooth driving.
“Road safety is a state of mind; road crash is an absence of mind. So stay alert, stay alive. Know that the road is always patient but do not forget that it is only the living that celebrates,” Ibrahim said.
Also speaking, the FRSC Zonal Commander in Bauchi, Mr Rotimi Adeleye, who spoke on the ‘Role of FRSC in Curbing Road Accidents’, said preventing road accidents was a collective responsibility.
Adeleye, who was represented by Corps Commander, Yelwa Dio, urged passengers to always call reckless drivers to order.
A mock display of emergency response to accident by officials of FRSC, NEMA and Red Cross at the occassion
In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum, represented by the state Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Tijjani, urged FRSC to assist government in checking drivers loading in unauthorised parks.
Zulum also promised to look into the logistics and accommodation problems facing FRSC in the state to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its personnel.
Other speakers at the occassion including representatives of Shehu of Borno, GOC 7 Division, Air Force Base, NARTO, NOA and NEMA lauded FRSC for its commitment to reduce road accidents to the bearest minimum and assured it of sustain support.
