FRSC deploys over 3,000 marshals, 43 vehicles, 10 motorbikes in major roads in Anambra, Delta, Edo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday deployed over 3,000 marshals, 43 vehicles, 10 motorbike in road corridors within Anambra, Delta and Edo States to ensure safety of Nigerians this yuletide season.

www.odogwublog.com reports that the FRSC Zonal Commander, Mr Nseobong Akpabio, disclosed this in disclosed this after addressing regular and special marshals deployed between Onitsha-Asaba axis of the Asaba-Onitsha-Awka road corridor for the end of year patrol.

Akpabio  said ``We have six advanced life support ambulances, two heavy duty tow trucks to be located each at Niger Bridge and Benin for effective coverage, 4 medium duty tow trucks to compliment the heavy duty tow trucks for quick removal of obstruction,’’.

Akpabio, who is in-charge of FRSC Anambra, Delta and Edo States, He said that the FRSC corps marshal approved the commencement of ``Operation Zero Tolerance’’ as a nationwide operation to help address any non conformities to traffic rules on the part of motorists and other road users this yuletide season.

``All the deployments are with immediate effect since ``Operation Zero Tolerance’’ commences 19 Dec.2014 and ends on the 13 Jan. 2015.

``All patrol teams are equipped with reflective jackets for team members, traffic cones, patrolites.

``Also we had deployed radar guns to help checkmate over speeding drivers on the road. 

``Breathalyzers in quantities have been allocated to command such that any driver suspected to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be promptly tested. If the driver test positive, he or she will be charged to mobile court on the spot.

``While we are still expecting more vehicular and logistics support from the FRSC headquarters within few days,’’ he said.

The zonal commander, however, advised passengers to watch out for drunk drivers before boarding commercial vehicles.

``Experience has shown that towards the end of year, traffic is usually high with most motorists not conforming to traffic rules and regulations due to improperly planned travel times leading to over speeding and dangerous driving.

``Again, commercial drivers do undertake as many trips as possible for financial gains and this could lead to increase in Road Traffic Crashes (RTC).

``Some other drivers, who are on long journeys are fatigued yet wanting to make the trip in less time as possible, must know that safety is paramount than the money,’’ he said.

Akpabio noted that these characteristics negative traffic behaviours required appropriate checks this yuletide by FRSC regular and special marshals.

The FRSC themed slogan for the operation is ``Road Safety is a Shared Responsibility – It Depends on You’’.