The Edo State branch of the Federal Road Safety Commission has cautioned truck drivers to stop transporting both goods and passengers at the same time. They will start taking action against drivers who do not follow this rule.
The Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Paul Okpe, issued the warning on Thursday during an awareness campaign for the Aduwawa Truck Drivers in Benin.
Okpe explained that the purpose of the campaign was to discuss safe driving practices, encourage a culture of safety, and discourage the practice of using trucks to transport both goods and passengers.
“We will also visit other union locations in the state to raise awareness. This is not a safe practice and when accidents occur, a majority of passengers lose their lives. Our goal is to reduce accidents on the road.
“We are pleased that the drivers are embracing the campaign and have promised to support us. They have also provided valuable advice, particularly about stopping the loading of passengers and goods from the north,” he added.
He mentioned that the commission will begin prosecuting drivers who fail to comply, stating, “With the support we have received, we are confident that this problem will be eliminated”.
“We are using public education and enforcement to address this issue. This nationwide campaign launched by the Corp Marshal, Alhaji Dauda Biu, is ongoing,” he said.
Chairman NURTW Heavy Truck, Aduwawa branch Alhaji Badamasi Muhammed, praised the FRSC for the awareness program and assured them of full support.
He added, “This issue has been troubling us but as a non-governmental entity, we cannot stop it. Now that the government is involved, it will be stopped. They should put an end to it, especially in the north where goods and passengers are loaded
He continued, “So we will collaborate with the FRSC and speak to our drivers to ensure that combining the transportation of goods and people is not safe and should be discontinued. Around 50 people died in a previous incident when a truck carrying both cattle and humans was involved in an accident.”
