Dr. Kayode Olagunju, Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS4, Jos, has directed officers in the zone to ensure prompt arrest and prosecution of traffic offenders.
Olagunju, an Assistant Corps Marshal, gave the directive in a statement by RC Olusegun Owoeye, Acting Zonal Public Education Officer, saying that it would prevent the “hangover effect”.
He said that the ongoing Special Patrol Operation, which would last till Jan. 15, was necessitated due to the usual increased mobility, Road Traffic Law Violations and Crashes associated with the Yuletide period.
Olagunju said that Zone 4 Command, comprising Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa, commenced the “OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE” on Dec. 15 with the aim of ensuring sanity on the road during the Christmas and New Year Operations.
According to him, many crashes could occur in the early days of the new year when many motorists are tempted to violate traffic rules.
“Some may feel they had already survived the most dangerous period, the EMBER months, hence, they could afford to take some chances on the highways,” Olagunju said.
He said that in furtherance of the command’s efforts to ensure sanity on the road, 76 traffic violators were convicted by mobile courts in Akwanga and Keffi Unit Commands of Nasarawa State.
According to him, the breakdown of the mobile court convictions reveals that in Nasarawa State, Senior Magistrate Victoria Ishaku sitting in Akwanga, found 30 offenders guilty as charged, for 46 traffic offences committed.
“In Jeff, Chief Magistrate Jibrin Isa Shittu convicted 46 offenders arraigned before him.
“The convicted drivers were jailed for periods between two and six months, with the option of fines ranging between two thousand and N10, 000 in line with the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 and the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012.
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“The most prevalent offences were speeding, overloading, drivers licence violation, seat belt use violation, dangerous overtaking and lane indiscipline,” he said.
Olagunju also warned road users that in liaison with the three states of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa, more Mobile Courts would be put in place to try erring road users.
The zonal commanding officer, however, advised motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations in order not to start the New Year behind bars or burden with fines payments.
He said that the special operations entailed education of road users and enforcement of critical offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, overtaking violation, lane and route violation.
Olagunju listed others as, obstructions, use of phone while driving, use of mechanically deficient vehicles, drivers licence violation, seat belt violation, among others.
He also added that the corps would not spare any reprobate and recalcitrant offender.
Olagunju, therefore, enjoined all motorists to exhibit caution while using the roads, and ensure that their vehicles were in good working conditions.
He advised motorists to always remain alert and observe all traffic rules and regulations while using the roads.
“They should be conscious of the challenges which the road environment and COVID-19 pose to the nation’s health, safety, security and wellbeing by driving to stay alive.
“All transport operators and road users should always comply with the COVID 19 protocols,” he said. (NAN