By Chidi Ugwu
In a major move to curb fire-related road accidents, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate nationwide clampdown on the improper transport of petroleum products and other inflammable substances in passenger vehicles.
The directive, issued by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, involves the deployment of a large number of patrol operatives on highways to conduct searches, identify vehicles carrying these hazardous materials, and ensure the contents are emptied into the vehicle’s fuel tank.
In a statement, Olusegun Ogungbemide,
Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps, warned that drivers found compromising passenger safety will face prosecution, as no excuse is acceptable for such a dangerous practice.
According to the statement, the decision follows a thorough investigation by the FRSC into recent fire-related crashes, which revealed that drivers often transport petroleum products while in transit. In the event of an accident, the impact can result in flames, leading to devastating fatalities that could have been prevented.
To complement the intervention patrol, the FRSC has also instructed its Public Education Officers nationwide to conduct aggressive sensitization campaigns to educate road users on the dangers of carrying inflammable substances in vehicles.
“Passengers are urged to report any suspicious vehicles to FRSC patrol teams or through emergency lines to help curb these excesses and enhance road safety.
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“The FRSC’s proactive measures aim to secure the lives and properties of commuters as they travel across the country”.
