FRSC Cautions Motorists Against Driving While Intoxicated

By Francis Sardauna

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday warned motorists to desist from driving under the influence of intoxicating substances in order to avert crashes before, during and after the Ember months.

The FRSC also admonished motorists, especially commercial drivers, to avoid overloading, night travels and over-speeding to curb road accidents during the Ember months.

The Zonal Commanding Officer, Kaduna, Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko, who gave the warning during the flagging-off of the 2021 ember months campaign in Katsina State, lamented the spate of road crashes in the country.

He explained that the use of intoxicating substances, negligence, over-speeding and overloading by motorists are the causes of fatal road crashes that have taken many lives and caused severe injuries to many across Nigeria.

He said: “The crashes we are witnessing on our roads are not healthy at all. On a daily basis, we are witnessing fractions leading to deaths, severe injuries and rendering homes fatherless and motherless.

“Many children have been rendered fatherless because of the reckless driving and over-speeding by drivers who drive under the influence of intoxicating substances like drugs and alcohol.

“Therefore, motorists should not drive under the influence of intoxicating substances; avoid overloading, over-speeding and night journeys because these will go a long way in reducing the number of road crashes.”

In his welcome address, the Katsina Sector Commander of FRSC, Ali Sule Tanimu, implored drivers to refrain from over-speeding that could lead to unnecessary loss of lives and property.