Yuletide: Drive Carefully On Sagamu-Ore Road……FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has advised motorists to drive carefully on Sagamu-Ore expressway at Yuletide, especially on the following spots:
Ososa River bridges I, II and III in Odogbolu Local Government Area; and Arun and Omo Rivers bridges I and II at J4 area, Ogbere in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Mr Isah Seidu, the FRSC Unit Commander in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, gave the advice during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

“These bridges have become notoriously dangerous for the past three years due to their weakened guard railings which are no longer efficient in preventing vehicles from plunging into the rivers below.

“On Oct. 15, we lost five passengers on board an 18-seater commercial bus heading to Ondo State when their vehicle crashed into Omo river, taking the command four days to recover the corpses.

“Our drivers must curtail their speed when they get to these spots to minimise the risk of crashes and we will also have our men available to signal motorists to slow down before passing”, Seidu said.

He urged the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the Sagamu-Ore expressway and reinforce the bridges with concrete barriers to stop the frequent loss of lives on the road.

Seidu warned security escorts attached to top personnel to ensure giving right-of-way to other road users, saying the corps would not condone any form of indiscipline on the roads irrespective of status.

He also called on motorists to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and have all their lighting systems functioning during their journeys because of the harmattan.

“Do not store petrol in kegs all because of the perceived scarcity. Rather, ensure you fill your tank before you commence your journey and refill wherever it is exhausted.

“Carrying petrol in kegs on a vehicle is very dangerous as this can contribute to fire outbreaks during crashes.

“Also, look out for naked wires in your vehicles to prevent sparks that can cause fire outbreaks considering the harmattan period.”

Seidu told NAN that the FRSC had an agreement with the National Towing Vehicle Owners’ Association (NTVOA), toward assisting with logistics for its end of the year safety campaign. (NAN)