The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed the corps to intensify public awareness on the extant precautionary measures against coronavirus, while enforcing COVID-19 protocols.
Oyeyemi gave the directive via a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Monday in Abuja, in view of the recent wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
He called on officers to brace up and be proactive, while ensuring immediate deployment of personnel for the aggressive sensitisation of the motoring public to the need to observe COVID-19 protocols.
He also directed that safety managers, domiciled with fleet operators, must endeavour to ensure strict compliance to all standing directives given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic.
He underscored the need to provide running water and handwashing equipment as well as hand sanitiser at motor parks, bus terminals and in vehicles.
Besides, Oyeyemi reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to ensuring e road safety during Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding that the corps had started its end-of-year special patrols.
“The corps will not relent in its commitment to safer motoring environment, as commanding officers have been directed to heighten advocacy and sensitisation campaigns in motor parks.
“This is to bring the message of the rising cases of COVID-19 pandemic to the consciousness of travellers.
“This is because creating understanding and enforcing compliance with the rules are strategic to achieving the required success,’’ he said.
Oyeyemi also said that drivers should be made to comply with every directive on physical distancing by carrying only one person on the front seat and not more than three passengers on rear seat of a vehicle.
He added that motorcycle riders were required to carry only one person at a time, so that the riders would be able to protect themselves.
The corps marshal advised travellers to stay away from overloaded vehicles at all times, saying that no matter the urgency of their trip, their safety should come first.
He warned all vehicle occupants to always wear their seatbelts, put on their facemasks and ensure that they filled the passenger manifest before the commencement of any trip.
“At this point, it is better to be late on your trip than to indulge in unhealthy acts that will lead to contracting or spreading the virus, as the world has already had enough of the epidemic.
“If you notice any strange type of flu, consider the welfare of others and stay back, notify the family and loved ones of the development, and report yourself for medical examination,’’ he said.
The FRSC boss warned against indiscriminate overloading of vehicles and enjoined all motorists and road users to drive to stay alive, while observing all traffic rules and regulations.
He, however, warned FRSC personnel on enforcement duties to treat road users with tolerance, civility, empathy and called on the public to report any noticeable aberration by any transporter to the corps
“You can report through the toll-free emergency telephone number, 122, or call the Public Education Officer through the National Traffic Radio live lines – 08052998090 and 09067000015 or SMS on 08052998012.”
