The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced its decision to impound vehicles found transporting both human passengers and animals. This move aims to address the rising number of road accidents linked to this unsafe practice.
Recent Tragic Incident Highlights Danger
A tragic accident on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway recently resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals and injuries to 27 others. The crash involved an overloaded articulated vehicle carrying both goods and passengers. The driver, traveling at high speed, lost control, causing the vehicle to veer into a ditch. This incident underscores the severe risks associated with mixing human passengers with cargo or animals during transit.
FRSC’s Directive and Rationale
In response to such incidents, FRSC Corps Marshal Dauda Biu has directed all sector commanders to establish joint task forces aimed at impounding trailers and trucks that transport humans and animals together. Biu emphasized the need for collaboration with other agencies, including the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army, and Vehicle Inspection Officers, to effectively tackle this issue. He described the recent accident as avoidable and criticized drivers who neglect basic traffic rules.
Ogun State’s Proactive Measures
Echoing the national directive, the Ogun State Command of the FRSC has also declared its intention to impound any vehicle found carrying humans alongside animals. Sector Commander Anthony Uga highlighted the dangers of this practice, noting that it often leads to fatal accidents. The command has engaged with animal dealers, particularly in the Kara area along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, to educate them on the risks involved. Uga warned that violators would face penalties, and their vehicles would be impounded.
Understanding the Root Causes
The FRSC has identified migration patterns as a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of mixed loading. The movement of people between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria has increased demand for transportation, leading some drivers to combine passengers, animals, and goods in a single vehicle to maximize profits. This practice not only violates traffic laws but also endangers lives.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
Existing traffic regulations, such as the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) and Road Worthiness laws, prohibit the carriage of human beings in vehicles designed for goods or animals. The FRSC is committed to enforcing these laws and has initiated several interventions, including setting up task forces in collaboration with other security agencies. However, challenges remain, particularly as many of these mixed-load vehicles operate at night, complicating enforcement efforts.
Public Education and Community Engagement
Recognizing that enforcement alone may not suffice, the FRSC is focusing on public education and community engagement. By conducting town hall meetings and involving traditional rulers and other stakeholders, the corps aims to raise awareness about the dangers of mixed loading. This grassroots approach seeks to inform communities about the risks and encourage compliance with safety regulations.
Call to Action for Transporters and the Public
The FRSC urges transporters to adhere strictly to safety regulations and avoid the practice of mixed loading. The public is also encouraged to be vigilant and report any instances of vehicles carrying both passengers and animals to the authorities. Such collective efforts are essential to reduce accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
