The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has lamented increasing cases of road crashes involving articulated vehicles in the state.
The State Sector Commander, Andrew Kumapayi stated this in Awka during a meeting with executives of various Tipper Unions in the State.
He blamed the ugly trend on recklessness of tipper drivers, vowing to clamp down on defaulters and impound their vehicles as a way of reducing the menace.
But the state Chairman, Heavy Duty Lorries and Trailers Association, Deacon Ozoemena Okoye absolved his members, blaming the alleged recklessness on government officials and politicians who he accused of intimidating them on the road with their escorts vehicles’ sirens.
He said the FRSC had in one of their meetings with them, promised to intervene by talking to the officials and politicians whose escorts flouted traffic rules with impunity.
“Our members obey traffic rules. We no longer have rough drivers in the state. They undergo thorough screening to ensure they are fit to drive,” he added.
Kumapayi said the meeting with the tipper drivers was informed by the state government’s directives following a resolution by the House of Assembly on reckless driving by tipper drivers in the state.
He said, “On June 23, we received a letter from the state government on a resolution from the House of Assembly, calling on the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano to direct the FRSC Commander to checkmate the reckless driving of tipper drivers along Awka-Ozubulu-Atani road.
“Some of them don’t have the required documents, including driver’s license and vehicle particulars, some are not fit to drive, while others drive under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol.
“You see some teenagers driving tippers, which is highly illegal. For the House to pass a resolution, that is to tell you the much havoc they have caused.”
While noting that the meeting was to avoid excuses of not being informed at the commencement of the enforcement, the FRSC boss said his men would be working with other sister agencies to provide them with security back up.
“After today, we’ll be clamping down on them until sanity is restored on our roads. We’ll also impound the rickety tippers and those with no plate number,” he added.
