As Nigerian Muslims celebrate Eid-el Fitr festival, the Jos Zonal Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised operators of fleet vehicles to abide by traffic rules and regulations.
Mr Wobin Gora, Commanding Officer of the zone that comprises Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States, gave the advice on Sunday in Jos.
A statement by the zone’s Acting Public Enlightenment Officer, Mr Christopher Enang, quoted Wobin as advising road users to respect and protect other users during the festive period and avoid speeding.
It stated that 3,438 Road Marshals, comprising 1,971 Regular and 1,467 Special Marshals, would be on special patrol operations in the zone, with several mobile courts to handle offenders.
Wobin was further quoted as urging FRSC personnel to work toward reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities during the festivity while urging the mobile courts to apply the rules strictly.
He directed the Commands in the zone to promptly remove broken down vehicles and other forms of obstructions on the highways to enable free flow of traffic.
The statement added that FRSC would embark on massive education of motorists and other road users during the Special Patrol period that would last till May 4.
It particularly warned against speeding, wrongful overtaking, lane violation, road obstruction, use of phone while driving and overloading.
Other vices included non-usage of seatbelt, lack of passenger manifest, mechanically deficient vehicles, illegal use of some number plates, driving with worn out tyres or spare tyres, and failure to install speed limit device.
“Arrested violators will be arraigned before the magistrates and stand the risks of fines ranging between N2,000 and N200,000, depending on the nature of the offences.
“Other penalties include jail terms ranging between two and six months as may be decided by the Mobile Courts.”
Wobin admonished road users to comply with traffic laws and always drive defensively while regarding other motorists as potential threats.
He assured road users that there would be 24 hours operations and traffic observatory in commands along critical corridors, and full activation of the Ambulance points as well as road side clinics for rescue and emergency management services.
The official called on Nurses, Marshals and other Paramedics deployed to strategic points to attend to road users with care, render necessary assistance and do their work diligently with strict compliance to COVID-19 and HPR 2021 protocols.
He enjoined members of the public to inform FRSC formations of road obstructions, gridlocks, road traffic crashes and other emergency issues requiring FRSC attention via the toll free telephone number 122 or 0700 CALL FRSC (0700 2255 377).
