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Tag: FRSC

  • Yuletide: FRSC arrests 143 traffic offenders in Edo

    Yuletide: FRSC arrests 143 traffic offenders in Edo

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State has arrested 143 motorists for various road traffic offences during its ongoing Yuletide Special Patrols in the state.

    The Edo Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr. Oluwasusi Familoni, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that the road traffic violators were prosecuted in three different mobile courts at Uromi, the Benin/Shagamu Highway Toll Gate and Ekewuan Road.

    “Among the 143 offenders arrested, 125 of them were convicted, while 18 of them were discharged,” he said.

    “The major offences were operating vehicles with fake documents and seat belt violations.

    “We have planned to hold six mobile courts sittings in the state during the yuletide special patrols to checkmate the activities of motorists as they ply the roads this festive period,” he said.

    The sector commander, however, cautioned motorists to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol, saying, “It is dangerous and predisposes motorists to accidents.”

     

  • Five dead as bus plunges into Oji River

    Five dead as bus plunges into Oji River

    Five persons lost their lives early Thursday morning on the Onitsha-Enugu express way, as a commuter bus heading towards Enugu plunged into Oji River, near Anambra.

    Mr. Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra Command, who confirmed the accident told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the incident occurred about 1:25 a.m. on Thursday.

    Ajayi said there were 15 passengers in the vehicle, out of which 10 were rescued and taken to hospital, while five were killed in the incident.

    He said the timely rescue operations led by the personnel of the FRSC minimised the number of casualties.

    “The rescue at Oji River is still going on, we have been able to rescue 10 people alive and taken them to hospital, five were confirmed dead and the bus has been recovered,” he said.

    The commander said it was a ‘lone accident’ and blamed it on drowsiness of the driver, poor visibility and other dangers associated with night driving.

    He urged people who wished to travel to do so during the day time, and set out on time for journey that may stretch into the night.

  • FRSC arrests 39 traffic offenders

    FRSC arrests 39 traffic offenders

    Determined to ensure that the roads are accident-free during the Yuletide, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has stepped up crackdown on road offenders.

    In the circumstances, therefore, no fewer than 39 drivers were arrested for various traffic offences on December 16 during a special patrol exercise organised by Ota Unit Command of FRSC at Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

    Among the 39 arrested, 33 were convicted at a mobile court set up for the operation while six were discharged and acquitted.

    They were arraigned for offences ranging from mechanical deficiency and drivers’ licence violation.

    According to the Unit Commander Leye Adegboyega (ACC), the exercise, tagged “End-of-Year Operation Sanity Special Patrol,” was in line with the Corps’ vision of eradicating road crashes and creating safer motoring environment on the highways as the year gradually draws to an end, even as he said it was necessary as many people would be traveling for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Adegboyega said the operation would enable the Corps to ensure free flow of traffic during the Yuletide. He also said for the Corps to accomplish its vision of ensuring crash-free Yuletide, there was the need to remind drivers of the need to drive with caution in order not to pose dangers to other road users.

    He said mobile court is one of the best options and initiatives by the Corps to instill discipline in some recalcitrant drivers.

    Adegboyega pledged continuity of the exercise during the Yuletide and New Year periods to enable it to curtail excesses of some drivers who are money conscious. He also noted that this period of the year always witnesses increased crashes as a result of recklessness on the part of impatient drivers as human and vehicular movements increased.

    He urged road users to be patient and drive cautiously to enable them arrive at their destinations safely.

  • Honeywell partners FRSC on ember month

    Honeywell partners FRSC on ember month

    AS part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) kicked off the road safety awareness programme to ensure a accident-free yuletide.

    Tagged: ‘Operation Sanity, Drive Safely into 2016,’ it drew participants including major stakeholders and drivers in the transport union.

    Justifying the need for the event, the Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Olanrewaju Jaiyeola, who was represented by the Executive Director, Marketing- Mr. Benson Evbuomwan said the collaboration between Honeywell Plc and Federal Road Safety Commission was to create awareness about safety on the roads, especially this time of the year.

    He also noted that there is an initiative which the Federal Road Safety Commission and Honeywell Plc are embarking upon an awareness campaign to sensitize students in schools about safety precautions and not just talking to drivers alone, because it is a way in making the children the vanguard of talking about road safety to their parents at home.

    He stated that although they have other programs that take them to schools yearly which is part of the organisations corporate social responsibility, and in such programmes they will endeavor to include a little talk on road safety campaign so that they can help in creating such awareness amongst the students.

    Also speaking, representative of the Sector Commander Lagos, Assistant Core Commandant, Mrs. Gloria Danfulani noted that the command has since been going out to ensure that road users adhere strictly to safety precautions especially at this crucial time of the year when there are too much hustling and bustling.

    In his own remarks, Mr. Lanre Da-silva, Innovation and Consumer Insight Manager Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, commended the transport union for their good conduct and also enjoined them to always put safety first when embarking on any journey, and also make sure they are always alert while driving in other to avert any form of danger on the roads.

  • FRSC advises motorists

    FRSC advises motorists

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has advised motorists to drive safely to avoid accidents.

    The FRSC gave the advice at the launch of “Operation sanity, Drive safely into 2016”, in collaboration with Kingstine Jo Foods, Natures Fresh and Libra Motors.

    FRSC’s Principal Inspector Gbolagade Lawal said:  “Drivers are enjoined to avoid speeding and drive cautiously.

    “Motorists, especially those travelling for Christmas, should stay away from stimulants, such as alcoholic drinks, drugs, kolanuts, among others.

    “These stimulants affect their hormones leading to reckless driving.”

    Lawal said the FRSC has a tranquiliser machine, which helps to detect a driver’s alcohol level.

    “If such a driver has taken alcohol or other stimulants, he will be placed on bed rest for five hours or more,” he said.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Isolo, Adeola Falowo, said: “There is a problem in December. Commercial motorists believe it’s time to make more money. Speeding is bad and it kills. Motorists should not exceed 100km/hr.”

    The Sector Commander Hyginus Omeje, represented by Deputy Corps Commander, Michael Olapade, said: “Motorists should check conditions of their vehicles.”

    Manager of Kingstine Jo Foods, Isolo Outlet Romeo Ibudeh said: “Motorists should imbibe safety skills and be mindful of other road users. FRSC is doing a good work by sensitising the public.”

    The unit commander, RS2.111, Isolo unit, Utten Boyi, said there was need for constant public enlightenment for road users.

  • FRSC unveils alcohol device

    FRSC unveils alcohol device

    The Frderal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reiterated its commitment to prosecute any driver found driving under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs.

    The Lagos and Ogun States Zonal Commander, Nse-Obong Akpabio, said this in Ojota while unveiling an alcohol detective device.

    He said the Corps database had shown that drunk-driving, apart from speed and overloading violations, has been one of the major factors responsible for the incessant crashes on the highways.

    Over 75 per cent of road crashes was caused by alcohol, he said.

    The device, Akpabio said, would reduce if not totally eradicate the menace.

    According to him, the device can also be used for research and keeping of biometric data of drivers such as name, address, drivers licence’s number and the result of the test for at least 12 months, adding that it would enable the corps to detect if the driver had once been arrested for such offence.

    He urged the road users to abstain from driving under influence of drugs or alcohol, saying anyone cut would be prosecuted and the vehicle impounded.

    A truck driver with Total Gas, Mr Oyedokun Bakare, appealed to drivers to shun all forms of indiscipline.

  • I’ve political will to tackle traffic gridlock – Ambode

    I’ve political will to tackle traffic gridlock – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday assured the people of the State of his strong political will to take tough decisions and implement effective strategies to bring about a robust traffic management system in the State.

    Ambode, who stated this at the Traffic Management and Transportation Summit organised by the State Government, said as a government, his administration is keenly committed to make Lagos work for all, and that effective traffic management, for him, is a good place to start.

    The Governor observed that with the realities on ground, there is the need for practical and innovative solutions to address the traffic challenges confronting the State to deliver immediate dividends and future aspirations.

    He said: “Lagos, in many ways, is a victim of its own success as many people leave other states and travel to Lagos seeking better opportunities. More Nigerians want to reside in Lagos and this obviously comes with some challenges.”

    “As one of the leading commercial centres and an emerging City-State, we need to go back to the drawing board and agree on how our transportation sector can be effectively and efficiently operated to support the kind of trade and investment we want to continually attract.”

    “We need to collectively examine how transportation sector can improve public sector delivery through better institutional framework, quality transport infrastructure and then tackle wasteful and socially harmful transport patterns. You will agree with me that the ease of travelling, mobility and communication are critical fuels for our State economic engine,” the Governor said.

    Reflecting on the circumstances of high population and pressing need for economic growth, Governor Ambode said there is a strong need for stakeholders in the transport sector to evaluate and articulate smarter and effective strategies that would reduce congestion across the roads.

    While emphasising the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a commuter-friendly and productive Lagos that promotes a shared sense of vision and leadership opportunities for all, the Governor stressed the need for the consideration of how to make other means of transportation more viable and attractive to reduce the pressure on the roads.

    He added: “As a Government that is keen on promoting business and creating wealth opportunities for our residents, we are committed to seeking and funding substantial and comprehensive solutions to traffic challenges, therefore we are ready to take tough recommendations you come out with.”

    “We owe it to the people to ensure Lagos works for all. Tackling traffic is a good place to start; a good place to begin the significant change that our people expect from us. Let us make Lagos work for us all,” the Governor said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the summit was put together in furtherance of Governor Ambode’s determination and commitment to genuinely address the traffic challenges confronting the State.

    He added that the summit was also aimed at jointly developing workable system and solution with all stakeholders with the view to articulate and share knowledge and explore innovative approaches to free the roads and help in developing a robust traffic management.

    On his part, Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi said because of its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy, Lagos accounts for about 70 percent of the country’s transportation network and over 30 percent of vehicular density in Nigeria.

    He added that there are about 40 petroleum tank farms in Lagos, and that the best way to tackle traffic gridlock is full enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.

    While calling for synergy among the enforcement agencies, Oyeyemi also urged the State Government to establish Mobile Traffic Courts so as to further boost and compliment traffic enforcement.

    The summit was with the theme: “Tackling Current, Evolving and Future Traffic Management Needs of Lagos State.”

    There were sector perspectives from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others, while the lead paper was presented by Dr. Gboyega Banjo, a traffic management expert who worked with the World Bank for 17 years.

  • Speed limit device ‘ll reduce highway carnage, says FRSC

    Speed limit device ‘ll reduce highway carnage, says FRSC

    Much as good road network with appropriate road furniture such as road markings and signs can be a strong determinant for  safer road use, looking at the situation objectively, it is might not be fair to completely attribute road crashes to the state of Nigerian roads because the human factor remains a prevailing variable., Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Commander Imoh Etuk, has said.

    He said it is the wrong use of the roads that causes most crashes and not the poor road condition. This factor, he said, explains why the FRSC invest heavily on awareness campaigns and other forms of advocacy to engender best road practices from road users across the country.

    Etuk said from empirical studies conducted, speed limit violation remains a prevailing factor for road traffic crashes in the country. He said this informed the FRSC collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Automotive Council (NAC) and other relevant stakeholders to initiate the speed limiting device as part of measures to address the menace of speed-related road crashes.

    There is also the re-certification of commercial drivers including routine medical checks and other proactive strategies towards addressing the menace of road crashes involving heavy duty vehicles.

    Etuk, who spoke on the need to ensure safety especially as  Yuletide approaches, said the FRSC has started its campaign for this period with: “Operation Sanity: Drive Safely into 2016,” as its theme. According to him, it is part of FRSC resolve to drastically reduce the spate of road traffic crashes during the Ember season.

    Also, the introduction of the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP) by the FRSC, Etuk further explained, is a further step at ensuring safety. The DSSP is a programme aimed at evolving minimum uniform standards for driving schools in Nigeria. DSSP seeks to regulate the establishment of Driving Schools in Nigeria, in line with Section 5 (f) of the FRSC Establishment Act 2007.

     

     

     

  • Lagos, FRSC join forces against traffic gridlock

    Lagos, FRSC join forces against traffic gridlock

    Lagos State Ministry of Transportation is to partner the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ease traffic gridlock.

    Towards the end, a team comprising the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), the Lagos State Traffic Management authority (LASTMA) and FRSC officials will hold joint patrol.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi told FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander Hyginus Omeje in his Alausa, Ikeja office yesterday, that managing traffic in Lagos required all related agencies to work together.

    He said many motorists did not have valid papers, adding that the government is receptive to ideas on traffic management.

    Transportation, he said, was at the heart of the state’s economy and cannot be taken for granted.

    The Special Adviser urged drivers and commuters to exercise patience on the road.

    Omeje said the joint patrol team would check the quality of vehicles on the road and ensure compliance with traffic and other extant laws.

    He called for an expansion of the state security council to include other agencies, such as FRSC as is the case in Edo State.

    Omeje advocated the establishment of mobile courts to those arrested by the patrol team.

  • FRSC enforces speed limit device April

    FRSC enforces speed limit device April

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) will commence enforcement of the new speed limit device from April 2016.

    The enforcement date was initially September 2015.

    Corp Marshal of the Commission Boboye Oyeyemi disclosed this at the 16 annual General Meeting of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari approved the new date as a result of numerous appeals by Nigerians on the extension of the date of implementation.

    Represented by the Deputy Corp Marshal, Operation, AA Abu, the Corp Marshal said over 50 percent of accidents on Nigerian roads were traceable to road accident and indiscipline by drivers on the highway.

    He pointed out that as part of efforts at addressing frequent road accident, the FRSC was working hard to curtail over speeding on the nation’s highways.

    Oyeyemi disclosed that the FRSC was working in collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that fake spare parts does not find their way into the Nigeria market anymore and call for timely rehabilitation of roads.

    National President of NARTO Alhaji Kassim Bataiya said that over 60 percent of Nigerian roads were in bad shape and in dire need if urgent attention.

    While challenging the government to immediately put the roads in order, Bataiya said the association has “implicit confidence on the government of the country to deliver on their electoral mandate.