…attributes majority of road accidents to human error
The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has taken its ember months’ sensitisation campaign to Ojota, just as it attributed the majority of road accidents leading to loss of lives and property to human error caused by drivers’ recklessness.
Mrs. Tiamiyu made this disclosure on Thursday while addressing articulated vehicle drivers operating in the State in continuation of the year 2023 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Safety Advocacy Campaign with the theme, “Drivers Education: Tool for Safe Driving”, at Olusosun Tippers’ Garage, Ojota.
According to her, a good driver is anyone who understands that all road users have responsibilities to their vehicles, to themselves, the environment they operate and to the government by obeying traffic rules and regulations, hence, patience, carefulness and self-discipline must be imbibed in his day-to-day activities on the road.
While appreciating the drivers for their cooperation and unflinching support to the state government, the LASDRI manager advised the drivers to be cautious, especially during these ember months. She also informed them to ensure that all their vehicle particulars are genuine and up to date.
Also addressing the drivers at the event, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Head of Operations, Ojota-Fadeyi Unit, Mr. Sulaiman Bakare who spoke extensively on traffic offences and penalties, stated that initially, traffic offence for one-way driving was quite minimal but due to its frequent occurrence, the state government was forced to drastically increase its fine or impound the vehicle.
He, therefore, urged drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good shape before embarking on a journey to avoid breakdown, adding that, once there is a breakdown, it affects the free flow of traffic.
Also lending his voice, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Route Commander, Mr. Damilola Okeowo urged the truck drivers to drive within the speed limit and also avoid the attachment of extra lights to their vehicles because of the dangers it poses to other motorists, particularly at night. He added that so many accidents have been recorded as a result of these extra lights.
Other traffic agencies such as Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and Public Transport Commuter Service (PTCS) also spoke in the same vein at the event, urging the drivers to cooperate with the state government by abiding by the laid down rules and regulations governing transportation in Lagos State.
Responding, the Chairman, Olusosun Tipper Owners’ Association, a body of Allied Truck Transporters Association of Nigeria (ATTAN), Alhaji Yisa Akegbeyale expressed appreciation to the state government for bringing the safety advocacy to their doorstep.
He, therefore, enjoined his fellow drivers to cooperate with the State Government by complying with all stipulated rules and regulations for the safety of everyone.