The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it has been collaborating with the judiciary across the 36 states of the federation for the speedy trial of drivers involved in road traffic crashes.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu, said this at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that available records of road traffic crashes indicated that poor vehicles maintenance and obnoxious driving culture were responsible for some of the accidents

According to him, commuters must imbibe the culture of courtesy, civility and consideration for other road users.

“They must learn to do the right thing at all times because, as you have the right to use the roads, so do others.

“All drivers and vehicle owners who caused crashes on the roads would definitely face the wrath of the law.

“This will serve as deterrent to others who were recalcitrant and drive dangerously or recklessly on the road,” he said.

Mr Ali-Biu added that drivers must be conscious that their families, friends and loved ones were waiting for them to return home safely.

“At all times, drivers must be conscious of the fact that those they carry are breadwinners, family and friends to other people whose lives are precious to them.

“We must therefore, exercise restraint and show respect to each other while on the road”, he said

Mr Ali-Biu recalled the crashes that occurred at Gaya junction in Kano State and that of Tashan yari in Kaduna State on April 18 and 19, where 18 people lost their lives.

He said that the two crashes, which were caused by use of substandard tyres, were highly avoidable.

“I say this because vehicle maintenance is central to the safety of the vehicle.

“This is a critical factor in minimum safety compliance that vehicle owners and drivers should not take for granted.”

The corps marshal also recalled a fatai crash on April 14 on the Oyo-Ogbomoso route, where a driver chose to drive against traffic.

“He was on a speed that was against the legal limit on that route when he crashed into a Toyota Corolla saloon car, killing 19 innocent souls on the spot.

“These innocent victims were burnt beyond recognition,” he said.

The FRSC boss also admonished passengers to always caution drivers who were not complying to road safety regulations.

“The more passengers begin to speak to the conscience of the drivers, the more they wake up to their responsibilities and drive with maximum safety compliance,” he added. 

(NAN)