Christmas: FRSC Deploys 950 Personnel For Special Patrol In Kwara State

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Kwara State Command has deployed 950 personnel (Officers & Marshals), including 350 Special Marshals, 120 first respondent to the state, as it begins the end of year special patrol operations tagged ” Operations Zero Tolerance to Road Traffic Crashes.

Other things provided were; 40 patrol vehicles, two power bikes, four Ambulances, four Private tow trucks and a 70 ton tow-truck.

The operations started on 15th December 2023 and will run through to 15th January, 2024.

The Special patrol is to serve as deliberate intervention towards the reduction of road traffic fatalities and injuries through removal of obstructions and prompt rescue of road crash victims, amongst others.

The special operations are necessitated by the attendant increase in movement of vehicles across road corridors in Kwara State during the Christmas and New Year festivities and the need to address road traffic encumbrances associated with such increase .

A statement by the Public Education Officer, Basambo Olayinka Busari of RS8.1 Kwara Sector Command, said that the State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung has also deployed personnel for traffic control at strategic locations within Ilorin Township and major cities in the state during the period of the special patrol.

The Sector Commander, admonished motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations avoid excessive speeding, overloading, Obstruction, Use of Phone While Driving, Passenger Manifest Violation, Operating of Mechanical Deficient and Rickety Vehicles, Route Violation, Driving with worn-out tyres, among others.

The Sector Commander emphasized the need for drivers to avoid night journeys and take adequate rest of 30 minutes after every 4 hour drive as safety of life should be prioritized over pecuniary gains.

In order to ensure free flow of traffic during the end of year festivities, the Corps State Command will further organise Public Enlightenment campaigns/Mega Rally in all interstate motor parks, early morning cry and advocacy at place of worship and markets to sensitise the motoring public in Kwara State.

According to the statement, “the Command will also carry out Special traffic control operations to ease the road congestion in Ilorin metropolis with three other traffic control camps established Bode Saadu, Jebba and Olooru to ease traffic within the respective axis.”

The heavy tow truck, Ambulances and standby rescue teams will be stationed along major highway within the State for immediate clearance of obstructions and rescue operations when the need arises

The Operation is in line with the Goal 1 of Federal Road Safety Corps’ 2023 Corporate Strategic Goals which stipulates 5% Reduction in Road Crash Fatalities and Injuries

While wishing the good people of the State a happy Christmas and New year celebration, Corps Commander Dawulung advised motorists to drive with caution saying ”Only the living celebrates.”

Mercy Chukwudiebere