Accident victims Day: Police IG seeks prosecution of drivers impaired by substances

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the prosecution of drivers impaired by drugs and other dangerous substances.

Egbetokun, this would significantly help to address the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) efforts at ensuring safer Nigerian roads.
According to him, driving under the influence of drugs is a serious issue that can lead to accidents and fatalities.

Egbetokun made the call at a joint news conference organised by FRSC to commemorate the 2024 World Remembrance Day Of Road Traffic Accident victims on Monday in Abuja.

The IG, who was represented by AIG Benneth Igweh in charge of Zone 7, assured that the Police authority was always ready to partner FRSC on the management of road safety on the highways.

He said that Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) could be avoided with if certain measures were put in place by FRSC, and other relevant stakeholders.

He called for the establishment of emergency hospitals especially on the federal highways and the establishment of ambulance management system, saying these measures could help to curtail RTCs.

According to him, this will reduce to barest minimum deaths on the highways.

“Also, there should be enforcement and provision of tests kits for drivers who take drugs; and they should be prosecuted once they are confirmed of the commission of the offence.

“There should be further enforcement of speed limit violation; prosecutions and also enforcement of vehicle road worthiness before such vehicles will be allowed to ply our roads,”he said.

The IG suggested installation of CCTV cameras on the Federal Highways which must be effectively monitored by dutiful personnel as well as the use of drones to monitor the highways.

Egbetokun advised FRSC to intensify its campaign against night travels, which he attributed to be one of major causes of accidents.

According to him, the chances of rescue and survival were always slim at such hours.

He expressed the readiness of police authority to partner FRSC in ensuring the safety of lives and property as well as ensuring safer Nigerian roads at all times.

In her goodwill message, Dr Nafisat Shehu Mohammed, President, Road safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), said that traffic offences should be scrutinised.

Nafisat said that the Public needed to know that lives were beautiful and safety should be encouraged at all cost.

“Our support goes to those who have lost their loved ones, families and those who sustained injuries among others.

“This is a wake up call for road users to drive safely and obey every traffic rules and regulations at all cost,”she said.