By Ibironke Ariyo
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has called all motorists to be cautious on the roads during the rainy season while urging them to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Suberu also harped on the need for strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations among road users especially during the period.
The VIO chief expressed concern about the rate at which people neglected the basic ethics of driving during the rainy season, which resulted in avoidable crashes, death and fatal injuries in some cases.
He said that low level of vehicle maintenance among motorists, especially the commercial drivers had caused major havoc on the highway across the country.
He also said that it was also imperative for drivers to be patient and calm while driving adding that it would help to ensure sanity on the highways during the season.
This, he said would also help to avoid road hazards that occur as a result of wet and slippery road surfaces, foggy weather and occasional poor visibility that characterise the season among others.
According to him, we wish to reiterate our commitment towards safer road use during this rainy period.
“We want to warn the motoring public on the need to comply with all traffic rules and regulations as they ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.
“It is important that drivers fix the vehicle wiper blades, head and tail lights, brakes and avoid the use of worn-out tyres to enhance safety as they ply the roads when it is raining.
“Motorists should also note that visibility might be affected when the rain is heavy and they are advised to reduce speed and stop when it is obviously unsafe to continue driving.
“Also, if visibility is very poor, drivers should endeavour to move off the road and park safely, leave your parking lights on and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you”, he said.
Suberu expressed the VIO’s concern over the attitude of many drivers in the country on tyre care and maintenance, adding that most Nigerian drivers have poor maintenance culture.
He urged motorists to be mindful of potholes and pedestrians crossing the roads adding that the VIO mayors would visit motor parks and sensitise commercial drivers.
He said that the sensitisation would be on how to desist from excessive speeding and dangerous driving on highways to avert road traffic mishap.
