AWKA/Nigeria: In a renewed push to curb rising road accidents and enforce safer driving culture, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, on Wednesday carried out a road safety sensitisation exercise in Awka, combining free drunk-driving tests with public awareness campaigns for motorists and pedestrians.
The operation, conducted around the busy Regina Caeli Junction, focused on traffic control, pedestrian safety, and educating road users on the importance of responsible highway conduct, as the corps intensifies efforts to reduce avoidable crashes across the state.
Speaking during the exercise, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs. Bridget Asekhauno, said the initiative formed part of the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility and broader strategy aimed at reducing road traffic crashes by at least 10 per cent.
According to her, the command considered the junction a high-risk area due to heavy vehicular movement and the increasing difficulty pedestrians encounter while attempting to cross the highway.
“Our mission is to fulfil part of our strategic goal of reducing road traffic accidents by 10 per cent.
“We are also here to ensure that road users operate safely, especially as pedestrians often struggle to cross the road at this junction,” she said.
Asekhauno noted that FRSC personnel had to temporarily intervene in traffic management to help pedestrians cross safely and prevent possible fatalities.
She blamed the persistent abuse of zebra crossings on inadequate public awareness, stressing that many motorists still fail to understand that pedestrians have priority at designated crossing points.
“A lot of people do not understand the importance of zebra crossings. We are educating drivers to stop and give pedestrians the right of way.
“However, even when drivers slow down, some pedestrians cross the road sluggishly,” she said.
The sector commander disclosed that the corps had already forwarded a formal request to the Anambra State Government for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the junction to provide a permanent solution to the recurring safety challenge.
“We have sent a memo to the governor and we are hopeful that necessary action will be taken,” she added.
On the drunk-driving tests, Asekhauno explained that the screening exercise was a routine safety measure regularly conducted at motor parks to determine the physical and emotional fitness of commercial drivers before embarking on journeys.
“Every month, we carry out these tests in selected parks to ensure drivers are physically, psychologically and emotionally fit before going on the road.
“This is done both in the morning and evening. Drinking and driving do not mix,” she said.
Some residents and commuters who witnessed the exercise commended the FRSC for the intervention, describing the Regina Caeli Junction as one of the most dangerous points for pedestrians in Awka.
A pedestrian, Mrs. Jubilete Ikeonwu, praised the corps for assisting residents to safely navigate the busy highway, especially during peak traffic periods.
“I am happy with what FRSC is doing because of the frequent crashes recorded here, especially during peak hours.
“We have witnessed several fatalities, which is why we are advocating for a pedestrian bridge to reduce accidents,” she said.
Ikeonwu also criticised the attitude of some motorists, particularly heavy-duty truck drivers, accusing them of ignoring speed breakers and endangering lives along the corridor.
