The Imo Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Tuesday said it had made arrangement to ensure free-flow of traffic in the state during the 2016 yuletide.
The Sector Commander, Mr Peter Kibo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri that all the FRSC towing vans had been repaired to remove vehicles that would break down on the roads.
According to him, the officers and men of the command had met severally to ensure the success of the 24 hours operation during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
He said the FRSC would hold rallies at major motor parks in Owerri and other senatorial district centres to sensitise motorists and members of the public on ways to prevent auto crashes.
“Motorists should endeavour to check their brakes and the lighting system of their vehicles.
“They should avoid overloading and dangerous driving; they should also abstain from making phone calls while driving.
“Motorists should ensure that their vehicles are properly serviced and maintained, avoid the use of worn-out and expired tyres, as well as stop speeding to avoid accident,’’ Kibo said.
He called on commercial vehicle owners to install the speed limiting device which regulates the speed of drivers.
According to him, speeding contributes a greater percentage to the causes of road accidents.
On the allegations that some FRSC personnel harassed and extorted money from motorists at major roundabouts within the Owerri metropolis, Kibo warned such personnel to desist from negative conducts.
He said that any officer that was involved in any form of misconduct would be reprimanded.
“I want to sound this note of warning to FRSC personnel posted to roundabouts in Owerri that any of them reported for extortion of money will be dealt with according to our rules of engagement.
“The rule only allows FRSC officers to caution or book a traffic offender and not to collect cash.
“Working jointly at a spot with personnel of other sister traffic control outfits is not an excuse to aid and abate extortion,’’ he said.
Kibo advised members of the public to report cases of extortion and indiscipline involving any FRSC official in the state to his office.
(NAN)
