President of the Nigerian Psychological Association, Andrew Zamani, has backed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its bid to conduct mental assessment test for traffic offenders.
Prof. Zamani, gave his backing in an interview with reporter.
The FRSC had said it would begin to subject traffic law violators to psychiatric test with effect from July 1.
Prof. Zamani, who is also a Clinical Psychologist, told reporters that the test when conducted, would help put those who perpetuate high risk driving behaviors such as drunk-driving into check.
He said: “If it applies to habitual offenders, it makes sense. For those who perpetuate high risk driving behaviors such as drunk-driving, exceed speed limit specifications, drive in the wrong lane, etc the decision is relevant.”
He urged the FRSC to ensure a functional tracking and documentation system of the offences before it begins its implementation.
According to him, the FRSC should first arrest and undertake a prosecution that would give rise to the invitation for mental testing and psychological evaluation.
“To implement this however a lot of things should be considered. First the process of apprehension should be civilized; there should be a functional tracking and documentation system of the offences, a legal mechanism for prosecution and demand for expert opinion should be assured.
“In this regard, FRSC should first arrest and undertake a prosecution that will give rise to the invitation for mental testing and psychological evaluation. With these in place, the court could ask for an independent opinion on mental status from the psychologist or a psychiatrist,” he said.
Prof. Zamani cautioned FRSC to ensure that due process of the law was followed in order not to infringe on the rights of individuals.
The NPA president insisted that FRSC was not wrong to have engaged the services of psychologists in the mental evaluation of the offending drivers as this is within their job specification.
“It is however important to note that the doctor or psychiatrist does not have all the answers and so has to assume a humble position to obtain inputs from others when the need arises.
“Every professional bears legal responsibilities for their actions and inaction. Psychologists are not exception. Psy