Id-El-Fitri patrol: FRSC targets 30% reduction in road fatalities

Federal Road Safety Corps has said that it is targeting reduction of road traffic crashes at least by 15 per cent and fatalities by 30 per cent during the Id-el-Fitri special patrol.

About 45 corridors across the country have been mapped out for coverage during the special Sallah patrol which was commenced on Wednesday, 13th June to 18th June 2018.

FRSC spokesman, Mr Bisi Kazeem in a statement in Abuja, the patrol was launched in view of the fact that there would be a mass movement of people and goods across the length and breadth of the country during the end of Ramadan festive season and preparation for Id-el-Fitri.

He said the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has accordingly directed the Corps’ operatives (regular and special Marshals) to effectively cover the 45 corridors during the Id-el-Fitri special patrol.

Among the corridors to be covered as listed by Kazeem are: Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.

Oyeyemi has also directed that all hands must be on deck to ensure free flow of traffic, reduction in road crashes, improved enforcement of traffic laws, and improved enlightenment on the proper use of roads in Nigeria as the country approaches a busy celebration.

He said Corps must pay first-rate focus on Effective Traffic control, Failure to install/use Speed Limiting Device by Commercial vehicles, Overloading, Lane Indiscipline, use of Phone while driving, Number Plate violation, Driver’s Licence violation, Removal of rickety vehicles on the roads and other obstructions, Driving with expired/worn out tyres and without a spare tyre.

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He said all patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, motorbikes other operational equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Alcholyzers and all other operational logistics materials in custody of commands are to be fully deployed for this exercise.

The Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras and roadside clinics must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

The operation has been programmed to run in shift as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and night rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands.

The Corps would go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State-owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Oyeyemi called on all road users to imbibe the attitude of proper use of the roads by not only driving to stay alive but equally to save the lives of other road users.

In situations of emergency, motorists and other road users are advised to call toll free number 122.