The Ogun State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in a quick response to a distress call, rescued passengers by arresting a drunk driver who was spotted driving so recklessly in such a manner that could have led to road traffic crashes.

The Corps spokesman, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Kazeem said that the drunk driver was arrested in Ogere, Ogun State at about 13:35 p.m. on Sunday, March 21.

He said that the Sector Commander received a distress call from a passenger who noticed the dangerous way the driver of the vehicle she boarded was driving.

According to him, the passenger, Mrs Matina, reported that few minutes into their journey, they noticed that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol which prompted the passengers to caution him against his recklessness.

“She revealed that it was when the driver refused to heed to the warning from all the passengers that the passengers got the FRSC call line from the internet and hurriedly put the call through to the FRSC for rescue,” 

Mr Kazeem stated that upon receiving the call, the Sector Commander ordered a patrol team from RS2.24 Ogere Unit Command to immediately effect the arrest of the driver.

This, he said, was to ensure the seizure of the vehicle, which was reported to be a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number, FKJ 991 YA.

“Upon arrest and impoundment of the vehicle, the driver was subjected to a Blood Alcohol (BAC) test and the result was 0.18 per cent, which is extremely higher than the 0.05 per cent permissible by road traffic regulations,” he added.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, appreciated the passengers and expressed joy over their bravery.

Mr Oyeyemi noted that the conduct did not only prove that they were observant enough to discover the recklessness of the driver but also proved that Nigerians were also courageous to report dangerous road user behaviour.

He, therefore, called on the motoring public to emulate the actions of the passengers, emphasising that road safety was a collective responsibility and every body’s business.

“All road users must play their role to ensure their own safety and those of other road users. The toll-free number 122 of the FRSC is always available 24/7 for emergency and prompt rescue services,” he said.

(NAN)