Motorists have been cautioned against carrying extra fuel in their vehicles, so as not to jeopardize the lives of innocent commuters amidst the recent fuel scarcity in the country.
Patrick Ikaba, the Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), issued the warning on Tuesday in Bauchi while addressing vehicle owners and animal merchants at the cattle market.
He said anyone found engaging in such practice would be punished in line with relevant traffic regulations.
Commander Ikaba stressed that the era of transporting goods, passengers, and animals together in a vehicle is over, and those caught will be arrested, and their vehicles impounded until the prescribed fines are paid.
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He said, “Research has shown that more people are dying in various road crashes across the country than from HIV/AIDS infection. These crashes are avoidable, and so, we must save lives by changing our attitudes towards life.”
Ikaba said a successful journey is one that is completed safely, regardless of the duration. He urged drivers to prioritise safety over speed, emphasizing the risks associated with night journeys, as it is challenging to receive assistance in the event of an accident during the night.
Referencing a recent fatal crash in Enugu State involving a bus from Bauchi State, Ikaba attributed the probable cause to driver fatigue and stress from driving throughout the night.