….FRSC records 278 crashes from 43 fatal crashes
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has urged drivers operating in the state to desist from carrying passengers in car boots.
Our correspondent reports that boot originally serves as compartment for goods but its commonly known as parlour.
However, it has now become alternative sitting position but with reduced rates from the usual charges, following the increased cost of transportation.
Yahaya who empathised with both drivers and passengers about the biting effect of fuel subsidy removal, stressed that safety should be prioritised.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Manassah Jatau, made the disclosure in his address at launch of 2023 ember campaign with the theme; ‘Speed thrills but kills, drive responsibly and avoid overloading’, organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps in collaboration with transportation unions.
He said, “Overloading has become rampant that we now see girls in the boot. When I was going to the farm I saw women in the boot which shows that something is wrong somewhere this may not be far from fuel subsidy removal and passengers don’t even mind if they are overloaded.
“Drivers are working to make money at the end of the day, in the car the driver was saying shift a bit let me change my gear which means the passenger was sitting on it.
“We appeal that despite all the difficulties we should abide by the rules of road safety guidelines. Before starting a vehicle, ensure you have a licence.”
Speaking further the governor commended the FRSC for its numerous effort in reducing crashes in the state, “The 2023 theme is necessary and apt considering the challenges of increased cost of transportation due to fuel subsidy removal and increased dependence on public transportation to meet up with transport needs by members of the public. In Gombe State there is increased patronage of motorcycles and Keke Napep instead of private vehicles arising from the said cost of petroleum products which led to congestion and overloading of passengers and goods in the vehicles on our roads/reckless driving, with the aim of making many trips.
“In face of all these, the FRSC in Gombe has been consistent in its call for commercial vehicles operators, in particular, to be careful, obey all laws, and observe all signs, road furniture to avoid deaths, or permanent injuries by residents in the state. Above all please be a licensed driver before starting the engine of any vehicle.”
On his part, FRSC Gombe Sector Commander Felix Theman, said “In 2022; the command recorded a total of 445 crashes with 57 fatalities killing a total of 110 persons, while 1,074 injured. Between January to October 31, 2023, a total of 278 crashes have been recorded with 43 fatal cases killing 79 persons while 779 injured.”
