The Federal Road Safety Corps says it arrested 58 offenders since beginning its ‘War Against Overloading’ campaign in Gombe.

The sector commander, Samson Kaura, disclosed this in Gombe on Monday.

Mr Kaura said the campaign commenced in April as part of the corps’ initiative to tackle the high number of casualties recorded in road traffic crashes, which resulted from vehicle overloading.

He noted that overloading remained one of the major causes of fatalities in Gombe.

He said it was therefore imperative to tackle the menace, adding that reducing crash fatalities required strict enforcement of load limits, public awareness, and responsible behaviour by drivers and vehicle owners.

The sector commander said avoiding overloading was not only a traffic rule but also a lifesaving decision that protected drivers, passengers, and other road users.

According to him, vehicles are built with specifications on the required number of passengers and goods to carry.

”But we neglect the required authorised specifications and overload our vehicles. When these vehicles are overloaded, movement becomes a problem because the excess weight increases fuel consumption, as they won’t move fast enough.

”The life span of the vehicle is also at stake, as it will not last as long as it is supposed to.

”One overloaded vehicle that was supposed to take not more than five passengers, which crashed, will have several casualties because it was overloaded with more people and goods. That is why we need to nip the issue of overloading in the bud to reduce the number of fatalities during road traffic crashes,” he said.

Mr Kaura called on passengers to avoid boarding any overloaded vehicle due to risks involved, while urging vehicle owners to desist from overloading, especially during the rainy season.

”When the vehicle is overloaded, stability is not guaranteed and controlling it becomes difficult, putting all on board at risk,” he said.

(NAN)