The Lagos State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), announced on Wednesday that it had apprehended 417 motorists in the state between January and September 2023 for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Babatunde Farinloye, the State Sector Commander, made this revelation during the launch of the corps’ “2023 Ember Months Campaign” in Badagry.
The campaign, with the theme “Speed Thrills but Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading,” was initiated to address the issue of road safety and reckless driving.
Farinloye emphasized that driving under the influence of alcohol was one of the numerous offenses regularly recorded in the state, with more than 1,000 contraventions reported monthly. Arrests alone have not proven effective in deterring offenders, prompting the implementation of additional measures such as education, sensitization, and training to tackle the problem and reduce road accidents.
Regarding the problem of containers falling from trucks, the sector commander disclosed that he had deployed personnel to tank farms, terminals, and ports to inspect and certify vehicles before loading. These personnel ensure that vehicles meet minimum safety standards, including vehicle quality, driver qualifications, and operator compliance. Many of the vehicles involved in accidents are old and have not been upgraded or replaced. Some of these incidents occur at terminals where there is no personnel to regulate them.
He urged road users to always ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition before using the highways.
Mr. William Manga, the Unit Commander of the FRSC Badagry Unit Command, stressed that his duty and responsibility were to ensure the safety of road users, particularly during the “ember months” when traffic and activities increase. He explained that the campaign’s theme for 2023, focusing on speeding and overloading, aimed to raise awareness and promote responsible driving habits to reduce the number of road accidents during these critical months.
Speeding remains a major contributor to road accidents, as many drivers exceed speed limits in an attempt to reach their destinations more quickly. However, it’s important to remember that while speed may provide a momentary thrill, it can result in instant fatality. The campaign’s message underscores the significance of obeying speed limit regulations and driving at safe and reasonable speeds, prioritizing the safety of all road users over the desire to arrive a few minutes earlier.