The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has frowned on transporting passengers with goods and animals, a common practice among commercial articulated truck drivers.

The sector commander of the corps in Oyo State, Rosemary Alo, issued the warning during Saturday’s sensitisation programme in Ogbomoso.

The programme, organised by the Ogbomoso Unit Command, targeted articulated truck drivers, cattle traders, market leaders and other stakeholders.

Ms Alo, represented by the Ogbomoso unit commander, Solomon Aderinmola, noted that the enlightenment programme aligned with the FRSC’s 2025 Strategic Goal One.

Reiterating the corps’ commitment to reducing road traffic crashes (RTC), she said the goal focuses on a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries.

However, Mr Aderinmola, speaking as the unit commander, stated that the campaign was part of the unit’s efforts to engage and promote safe transportation practices in communities within its jurisdiction.

Mr Aderinmola urged drivers to prioritise their safety and that of other road users by adhering to road safety regulations and guidelines.

He stressed that unless both motorists and the general public took a stand to abandon the practice, more innocent lives would be at risk.

“We are collaborating with stakeholders in ensuring that drivers are cautioned and that they desist from the mixed loading act,” he said.

Similarly, the Ogbomoso unit head of operations, CRC Tayo Ajayi, reiterated that the practice could lead to crashes with high rates of injuries and fatalities.

He, therefore, urged drivers to prioritise the regular maintenance of their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures that could cause accidents.

The Seriki Fulani of Ogbomoso, Umar Yaro-Babuga, praised the corps for the programme, expressing the willingness of Fulani traders to adopt and promote road safety regulations.

The event’s participants include representatives of various drivers’ associations and the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah in the zone.

Others are the representatives of the Seriki Fulani from the five local government areas in Ogbomoso, among others.

(NAN)