By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Journalists and media practitioners have been charged to collaborate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, in tackling the menace of road accidents that often claim lives and properties.
Addressing members of the Indigenous Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Delta State Command, RS.5.2 Corp Udeme Bassey Eshiet, called on the media to join in the fight against frequent road accidents in the state.
While speaking on the activities of the Corp, Udeme disclosed that the Corp offer much to the public beyond what they imagine as the corp carry out public enlightenment on the proper use of the road, and currently embarking on the wet season driving. We hope to meet a large chunk of the people at public spaces like the church amongst others.”
He noted that the media is very sacrosanct in the fight against ‘Road Traffic Crash’. “We need the media to join hands to propagate the messages of road safety to the general public”.
While appealing to drivers and vehicle owners, the Corp Sector Commander maintained that overloading of passengers in vehicles, increases the number of deaths if accident occurs.
“Overloading creates imbalance in vehicles, and overloading of passengers increases number of death, if there is any crash”. Eshiet said.
He further advised drivers to be safety conscious, observing road signs while driving and considering animals and users of the road to avoid crash.
Commander Eshiet however, encouraged the use of bicycles, noting that it will reduce the rate of death by road accident.
He reiterated FRSC’s mandate on the issue of Number Plates and Drivers’ License of International Standard.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman Indigenous Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi thanked the sector command for all his contributions towards the safety of Deltans and their properties and assures of journalists readiness collaboration with the corp in other to reduce road crashes.