ABUJA—In a bid to ensure sanity on the highways during this year’s Eid-el- kabir celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced a nationwide special patrol tagged ‘Operation Barka da Sallah II 2012’ slated for 26th  – 29th October, 2012.

This exercise which is in line with the Corps’ renewed drive to reduce the spate of road traffic crashes in the country especially during the Ember season , has also been designed to address the perennial rise in the violation of traffic rules and regulations especially during festive season.

According to the FRSC, the intensive special patrol is aimed at addressing the spate of avoidable road crashes usually associated with surge of human and vehicular traffic across the country and is an all inclusive exercise which will witness intensive patrols, prompt rescue services, strict enforcement of traffic rules and robust public enlightenment campaigns across the nation.

Details of the objectives of this special exercise include the removal of obstructions from the highways, traffic control/decongestion, public enlightenment campaigns through the distribution of safety handbills and other forms of awareness campaign in addition to strict enforcement of road traffic regulation infractions such as non-use of seat belt, use of cell phone while driving, overloading, excessive smoke emission, speed violation, dangerous driving/ overtaking, light sign violation and other road vices.

The FRSC has also embarked on a massive deployment of personnel, patrol vehicles, motor bikes, tow trucks and ambulances along designated corridors and black spots such as Yangoji, Lokoja, Lagos, Benin, Ore, Akwanga, Jos, Mokwa, Bida, Potiskum, Talata Mafara, Bauchi, Lafia, Makurdi, 9th mile and Kano in addition to the establishment of mobile courts at specific locations across the country for quick dispensation with road traffic offences.

Speaking on the Sallah special patrol, the FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka said that the nationwide exercise ‘forms part of the Corps’ sustained efforts to build on its Ember months campaigns which to a large extent, will be sustained towards the end of the year.

and the early part of 2013 to mitigate against road crashes”. He added that “the FRSC has initiated a consistent tradition of enforcing traffic rules and regulations throughout the year to avoid a one-off approach to road safety management in Nigeria’.

He added “ the Operation Barka Da Sallah II 2012 special patrol signifies the intent of the Corps to do all within its powers to ensure that zero road crashes, injuries and deaths are recorded throughout the period of the yuletide”.

Against this backdrop, motorists are hereby warned to ensure strict compliance with all traffic rules and regulations and proper maintenance of vehicles which ply the highways as there will be no waiver for any traffic violations.

Referring to last week’s lone fatal crash along the Ijebu-Ode –Ore road which claimed the lives of 18 passengers when a Coaster bus veered off the road and plunged into the J4 river, the Corps Marshal enjoined commuters (passengers) to monitor their drivers and to employ subtle approach to call them (drivers) to order in the face of any form of reckless driving as  complacency may result to grave consequences.

Meanwhile, the FRSC has initiated a 24- hour prompt response to distress calls and urges the Nigerian motoring public to contact 070022553772 or toll free 122 emergency lines in the event of any road crash and other traffic related challenges.