The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists against flouting traffic laws, warning that violators will spend the Christmas holiday in jail.
The Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who handed down the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, noted that anyone caught beating the traffic light, making phone calls while driving or not wearing his belt would be arrested and sent for psychological test.
During the unveiling of additional eight patrol vans for the ‘Operation Cobra’ unit in the Federal Capital Territory, the FRSC boss disclosed that 8,309 drivers had been arrested for various traffic law violations in the last six months.
He said over 4,439 offenders were referred for psychological test, adding that 41 drivers, who tested positive for psychological disorder, had their driving licence suspended.
Oyeyemi explained that the suspended drivers were currently undergoing therapy, noting that this is the standard practice all over the world.
He said the agency would not pardon anyone caught flouting traffic laws, adding that the corps would be very strict with taxi drivers from next year.
“Offenders should not meet me for waivers. If you don’t want to go for psychological test, if you don’t want to spend the Christmas in jail, don’t make phone calls while driving, don’t take ‘one way’ and always wear your seat belt,” he said.
The Corps Marshal lauded the operatives of the ‘Operation Cobra,’ noting that they had assisted in reducing indiscipline on the roads, adding that the eight patrol vans would further enhance their operations.
He observed that a number of FRSC personnel had been assaulted by violent drivers, warning that anyone, who attacked them would henceforth be remanded in jail.
He stated, “We have observed that the strict approach we have adopted in carrying out the operation has led to greater reduction in the rate and fatalities of road traffic crashes in the FCT.
“In addition, cases of violation of such identified offences as traffic signs and route violation are on the decline. I assure you that we would not rest on our oars but sustain the aggressiveness of the operation with greater vigour until all drivers in the FCT comply with traffic rules and regulations even when there are no law enforcers in sight.”
