Yuletide: FEMD, FRSC Launch Operation To Safeguard Travelers

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has flagged off “Operation Eagle Eye” as part of efforts to ensure safer cross-country vehicular movements during the Christmas festivities.

The campaign, launched at the Jabi Motor Park by FEMD’s Acting Director-General, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, was announced in a statement by Nkechi Isa, Head, Public Affairs.

According to Mohammed, the campaign is aimed at sensitising commercial motorists and passengers on safe driving practices to reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities.

He appealed to drivers to avoid overloading, overspeeding, reckless driving, and disobeying traffic rules.

He called for caution during the busy holiday season, saying, “This December, a lot of people are traveling, so there is a lot of cross-country movement. Please do not drink and drive; we want everybody to stay alive.”

Mohammed also encouraged passengers to voice their concerns when they notice any unsafe driving behaviour and urged residents to dial the toll-free emergency number, 112, in case of emergencies.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Corps Commander of the FRSC, Zilani Ibrahim, warned drivers against using performance-enhancing drugs, which could impair judgment.

He also discouraged the unsafe storage of petrol in vehicles, citing the risk of combustion.

“Major problems on our roads include overloading, which can cause tire bursts and result in fatalities. Another issue is night driving, which should be avoided because getting help in emergencies is challenging, especially with the current insecurity,” he said.

Ibrahim further advised drivers to take breaks every four hours during long journeys and to install speed limiters to control vehicle speeds automatically.

Also speaking at the Area 1 Motor Park, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Garki Branch 1A, Ibrahim Jubril, highlighted the union’s efforts to promote safe driving practices through workshops in collaboration with stakeholders.

However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges with overloading due to high fuel costs.

“You will see a fourteen-seater bus carrying eighteen passengers because of the cost of petrol. We believe that the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will reduce operational costs by 75 percent, leading to a reduction in transport costs by January or February,” he said.

The FEMD plans to extend “Operation Eagle Eye” to other motor parks across the FCT as part of its commitment to ensuring road safety during the holiday season.

Yuletide: FEMD, FRSC Launch Operation To Safeguard Travelers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper