FRSC warns drivers in A’Ibom against drugs, alcohol

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom is to begin arrest and prosecution of persons driving under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicating substances.

The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Oga Ochi, said this during the sensitisation campaign for drivers and travellers at some major motor parks in Uyo on Tuesday.

Our correspondent reports that the sensitisation by FRSC was in collaboration with Special Marshal Unit on adherence to COVID-19 protocols and non use of alcohol and drugs while driving.

Ochi said that drivers who indulged in speeding were always under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicating drugs.

He attributed most road crashes in the country to speeding due to influence of alcohol, adding that the corps would no longer treat the situation with levity.

He said that the campaign on non use of alcohol and drugs while driving would be sustained in all motor parks across the state.

The sector commander warned drivers to desist from the use of alcohol and drugs while driving saying that it gives false judgment while on the highway.

“We know that one of the reasons crashes occur on our highways is the use of alcohol and other intoxicant products.

“That is why we think it necessary, that apart from enlightenment on COVID-19 protocols, we also make them know that drivers should be free from every form of alcohol and other intoxicant products.

“We realised that a number of times people take excess alcohol while they are driving other passengers and as a result of that they lose control, run into one problem or the other on the road.

“That is why we combined this enlightenment with the use of breathalyzers to ensure that those carrying passengers this morning are not under any influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.

Ochi reminded drivers and vehicles owners of the need to observe  COVID-19 protocols of not overloading their vehicles.

He added that vehicles must not carry more than  50 per cent  capacity to observe physical distancing.

Earlier, the Akwa Ibom Coordinator of Special Marshal, RS 6.3, Dr Ezekiel Udom, appealed to drivers and passengers to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols while travelling to avoid the spread of the pandemic in the state.

Udom said that travellers were more exposed to COVID-19 than those who do not travel, stressing that travellers must be more cautious and adhere to safety protocols. 


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