The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has mandated an immediate nationwide crackdown on vehicles transporting inflammable substances, such as petroleum products, across the country.
In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Friday in Abuja, Mr. Mohammed outlined the directives aimed at enhancing road safety and preventing fire-related accidents.
The Corps Marshal has ordered the massive deployment of patrol operatives across the nation’s highways to conduct thorough searches and identify vehicles carrying these hazardous materials. He emphasized that once identified, drivers should be instructed to empty the fuel into their vehicles’ tanks.
Additionally, Mr. Mohammed directed FRSC operatives to launch an awareness campaign targeting both drivers and passengers, educating them on the dangers of transporting petroleum products in vehicles. He warned that drivers found endangering the safety of their passengers could face prosecution.
“No excuse is acceptable for such a reckless act,” Mr. Mohammed stated. “This initiative is a civil engagement aimed at ensuring that when such products are spotted, they are promptly and safely stored in the vehicle’s fuel tank.”
Furthermore, the Corps Marshal announced a full-scale investigation into recent fire-related road crashes to determine their causes and prevent future incidents. Preliminary findings revealed that many drivers carry petroleum products during transit, which significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents in the event of a crash.
In conjunction with the crackdown, Mr. Mohammed has instructed CPEOs nationwide to complement the intervention with aggressive sensitization of road users, aiming to halt the dangerous practice.
He also urged passengers to take an active role in ensuring their safety by reporting any suspicious transportation of inflammable substances to FRSC patrol teams or through emergency lines.
“This proactive measure will help curb these dangerous practices and enhance the safety of lives and properties as commuters travel across the country,” Mr. Mohammed assured.
(NAN)
