The Livestock and other Transporters Organisation of Nigeria (LATWO) have announced measures to reduce carnage on the highway, saying their members will ensure that they drive certified road worthy heavy duty trucks only.
Mr Simeon Illiyasu, National Chairman of the organisation made the pledge during a courtesy call on Corps Commander Lucia Samuel-Mhii, Nasarawa State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Lafia.
The Chairman who was accompanied by National Secretary, Mr Clement Ameh who doubled as the Vice Chairman of the Association in Nasarawa State, said that they would ensure that heavy-duty vehicles under their union were certified road worthy before operating them.
He explained that the action became imperative as a result of many crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles that led to avoidable loss of lives and property as well as damage of vehicles.
He also said that the union would ensure that all their drivers adhere strictly to traffic rules and have valid driving license and vehicle papers.
On the reason for the visit, the LATWO National Chairman said it was aimed at seeking collaboration for FRSC to ensure smooth operation for their members who are law abiding and assist the corps in sanctioning violators of traffic rules.
Responding, the sector commander appreciated the union for the visit and said the commission would partner with them and all other stakeholders interested in making the highways safe for all road users.
She urged them to subscribe to Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) in line with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (As amended in 2016).
She said that the laws expect that operators with five or more vehicles to register under the scheme and appoint a competent Safety Manager.
“Given LATWO’s nation wide presence of over 2000 vehicles, you should appoint multiple safety managers.
“Registration is Free, but non-compliance carries a fine of N200, 000, so register to avoid sanction,” she added.
The sector commander explained that vehicles were designed for special purposes and users should used them accordingly to avoid increasing crashes.
She explained that the rate of road crashes on the highways is unacceptable and efforts must be made to reduce it to minimum.
She said human factors such as overspeedy, overloading, dangerous overtaking, drinking and driving, bad state of vehicles among others often lead to avoidable accidents and loss of lives and property.
Samuel-Mhii also called on vehicles owners and motorcyclists to register for papers and driving license from appropriate authorities. (NAN)