The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has lamented increased cases of road crashes occasioned by recklessness of drivers of articulated vehicles in the state.
The State Sector Commander, Andrew Kumapayi who stated this during a meeting with the executives of various Tipper Unions in the State, said the Corps would commence clamping down on articulated vehicles found guilty of reckless driving.
He said the meeting with the tipper drivers was informed by the state government’s directives following a resolution by the House of Assembly on reckless driving by tipper drivers in the state.
He said, “On June 23, we received a letter from the state government on a resolution from the House of Assembly, calling on the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano to direct the FRSC Commander to checkmate the reckless driving of tipper drivers along Awka-Ozubulu-Atani road.
“We’ve noticed that there have been increased cases of road crashes involving tippers and most of the crashes lead to loss of lives and destruction of property.
“Some of them don’t have the required documents, including driver’s license and vehicle particulars, some are not fit to drive, while others drive under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol.
“You see some teenagers driving tippers, which is highly illegal. For the House to pass a resolution, that is to tell you the much havoc they have caused.”
Kumapayi added that the meeting was necessary so that the Corps would not be accused by the drivers for not informing them at the commencement of the enforcement.
“In obedience to the directives of the governor, we felt the need to have an interface with the executive of the drivers, the second in two weeks.
“After today, we’ll be clamping down on them until sanity is restored on our roads. We’ll also impound the rickety tippers and those with no plate number.
“We’ll be working with other sister agencies, Police and Civil Defense to provide us with security back up. We want to reduce road crashes to the barest minimum. Their excesses must be curtailed,” he added.
Reacting, Chairman, Heavy Duty lorries and Trailers Association, Deacon Ozoemena Okoye blamed the alleged recklessness of his members on government and politicians who distract them with their vehicles’ sirens on the highway.
