Emma Elekwa
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra state on Wednesday carried out sensitization campaign on safe plying and crossing of highway by motorists and pedestrians.
The campaign which was carried out around Regina Caeli junction, Awka the state capital, included free drunk driving test on drivers at the parks within the area.
Addressing reporters, Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno said the exercise which is part of the Corps’ Corporate Social Responsibility is targeted at ensuring reduction of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) in the state by 10 percent.
She said, “Our mission here is to fulfill part of our strategic goal to ensure reduction of RTC by 10percent.
“We’re also here to ensure motoring public use the road safely because we observed that pedestrians, most times struggle to cross the road at this junction.
“Part of our mandate of giving back to the society is controlling traffic so pedestrians don’t get hit by vehicles while crossing the road.”
On why motorists hardly observe the zebra crossing at the junction, the FRSC boss attributed the ugly experience to ignorance.
Ignorance of zebra crossing
“A lot of people don’t even understand what the zebra crossing is all about. That’s why we’re educating both drivers and pedestrians.
“We educate drivers that they should stop at zebra crossing for the pedestrians to have right of way.
“But even when drivers slow down for the pedestrians, you see some walking sluggishly,” she noted.
While admitting need for construction of pedestrian bridge as permanent solution to the challenge, Asekhauno said efforts were on to draw state government’s attention and intervention.
“We’ve sent memo to the Governor and I’m sure he’s looking at it and would do something, just as he has done in some other strategic places following our interventions,” she added.
The FRSC boss further explained that essence of drunk driving tests were to ensure drivers avoid drinking while at work.
“Every month, we select some parks where we conduct the tests to ensure drivers were physically, psychologically and emotionally fit before hitting the road.
“It’s done both morning and evening time. Drinking and driving don’t mix,” she stressed.
One of the pedestrians, Ngozi Ndukwe, a POS operator at the junction expressed joy over presence of FRSC officials assisting pedestrians cross the highway.
“I’m happy with what FRSC is doing today because of the number of crashes recorded here on daily basis, especially in the morning and evening hours.
Many fatalities
“We’ve witnessed various forms of fatalities. That’s why we insist there’s need for a pedestrian bridge to reduce the accidents.
“Even the speed brakers at the junction are not observed by drivers, especially those with heavy trucks who jump the bumps with speed,” she added.basis, especially in the morning and evening hours.
