FRSC inaugurates operation zero crash, conducts alcohol test for drivers
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe state command, on Tuesday, inaugurated 2021 Operation Zero Crash campaign and its readiness for the Christmas celebration.
Inaugurating the campaign in Gombe, the State Sector Commander, Mr Ishaku Ibrahim, said the command had intensified awareness on all stakeholders to ensure zero crash throughout the period.
He stated that the awareness which would be carried out in motor parks, churches, mosques, markets and other locations was taking the campaign to the grassroots.
According to him, the message will centre on safe road usage, critical offences on violations of road traffic regulations and tips on rescue operation and first aid.
He assured motorists in Gombe that the command had put in place necessary measures to ensure safety on roads, adding that rescue operation team had been strengthen to ensure quick response in cases of crashes.
“I am assuring the general public that the command is adequately prepared with logistics, support provided by the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.
“We are also assuring that will not fail residents of Gombe,’’ he said.
While giving the statistics of crashes in the state between January and November, Ibrahim said there was a reduction in the number of crashes in the third quarter of the year.
This, he attributed to the massive awareness on major stakeholders and the proactive approach of personnel in responding to issues that demand the command’s attention.
Ibrahim said that 84 persons lost their lives in 349 road crashes in the state between January and November.
He added that 1,548 persons were involved in various crashes, 939 sustained various degrees of injuries and 525 others were unhurt within the period under review.
Giving further analysis of the crashes, the sector commander said in the first quarter of 2021, some 102 crashes were recorded involving 501 persons with 298 injured, 32 deaths and 171 others unhurt.
“In the second quarter, 128 crashes were recorded, 553 persons involved with 319 injured, 32 deaths and 202 unhurt.
During the third quarter, 97 crashes were recorded, 403 persons involved with 269 persons sustaining various degree of injuries, 16 dead and 118 others unhurt,” he said.
On his part, the Gombe state commissioner of works, Mr Abubakar Bappah, advised drivers to be cautious while on the road, adding that excessive speed was not good.
Adamu Galadima, chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), Bauchi motor park chapter advised members not to be in a hurry while driving, adding that over-speeding, drugs and overloading should be checked.
Our correspondent reports that the theme for this year’s campaign: “Maintain Safe Speed, Avoid Night Travel and Enjoy Quality Road Experience.’’
During the event drugs and alcohol tests were conducted on drivers and also officials of the FRSC displayed how rescue operations are carried out to show their readiness ahead of the yuletide season.
