From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says all is set for the introduction of uniforms to commuter drivers for effective identification and safe driving.
These measures are already in place to reform the driving profession, as almost 90% of accidents are human-made.
Disclosing this, the Adamawa State Sector Commander, Yahaya Sabo Adikwu, said during stakeholders meeting in commemoration of 2024 International Customer Service Week in Yola, Adamawa state.
He noted that the command wishes to attain the noble goal by enhancing synergy, communication and cooperation amongst all stakeholders so as to reduce road crashes by 80 percent in the nearest future
Adikwu reiterated that, FRSC has concluded arrangement to embark on massive enlightenment campaign across all the transport sector in other to carry everyone along as the journey unfolds.
He accordingly said, “as an eagle eyed organ, he saw a situation in which the driver should see himself like a pilot and carry his job a refined and respectful manner in line with international best practices.
His words “I want a situation in which the driver behaves like the pilot and carry his job with panache and professionalism in line with international best practices”.
It is on this note that, “Adamawa state FRSC boss is working to enhance communication in the transport sector to the extent of creating a friendly atmosphere, and enhance confidence between the driver and the commuter to the extent that the driver will introduce himself to the commuters and tell them his plans for a hitch-free journey.”
“Other plans to rejuvenate the sector according to Adikwu include, the introduction of uniforms for drivers for easy identification, awareness creation on the nuances and rudiments of the driving profession and knowledge driven engagement with stakeholders noting that he want to see a situation where the discrimination badge attached to the profession becomes a thing of the past,” he said.
Adikwu further emphasized that he will also work with other stakeholders to ensure that the menace of drug abuse is removed in the profession as well as putting safety nets to prevent road crashes.
Said he “As the sector commander I’m committed to ensure the safety of all road users. However this task cannot be achieved alone. It requires collective effort, collaboration and cooperation amongst stakeholders.”
Stressing that, “What is responsible for the paradigm shift is the FRSC believes that 90 percent of road traffic crashes is the human factor and if we can change the value orientation of a single driver, we can reduce crashes by 80 percent.”
The sector commander, the zonal commander of FRSC Yelwa D. Dio who spoke line with Adikwu therefore urged stakeholders to come of with a communique from the meeting which will serve as the reference point of further engagements.
Saying since about 80 percent of road crashes result from human error, there is the need for enhanced engagement and communication especially between the drivers and commuters noting that the dynamic nature of road safety requires the inputs of all stakeholders not road safety officials alone.
He commended the efforts of governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri led administration for the uplift meant of infrastructure and introduction of public transportation which is a move that greatly impacted safety and efficiency of the sector.
In their remarks, stakeholders are drawn from the various sectors in the transport sector including NURTW, CDC, RETAN, NATO and NUPENG IPTD pledged to work together with Safety Corps to ensure the attainment of the noble goals of the sector commander.
While the sister agencies including NDLEA, NSCDC also pledge to ensure the success of FRSC in its renewed drive to enhance safety, security and confidence in the sector.
Meanwhile, at the occasion, nine officers/Marshalls have received various awards for outstanding, exceptional conduct and professional performance.
These include; SRC A.H Tukur, Station Officer, DRC AU EL-Nafate Operations, ARC HN Alim – Operations, ARC IT Kefas Operations/Office Duties, ACI BM Samuel – Intelligence Operative, MI-II GE Abel – Operations, SRMA H Sale – Operations, RMAI M Halidu – ICT and RMAI FIsmail – ICT.
