FRSC Zone 4 command mobile courts convict 131 drivers

Motorists have been advised to be safety conscious as the last quarter of 2020 otherwise referred to as ‘ember months’ approaches.

Kayode Olagunju, assistant corp marshal and zonal commanding officer (ZCO) of Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) in charge of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States warned motorist to be conscious of the fact that there will be increased mobility during the period which could also result to high incidence of road traffic crashes (RTC).

This call came on the heels of four mobile court sittings conducted in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States convicting 131 traffic offenders for varying violations.

A mobile court presided by Isa Zalla sitting in Pankshin last month convicted 30 offenders arraigned. In Benue, IF Ajim sitting in Makurdi also on August 14, 2020 convicted 71 traffic offenders out of 73 arraigned, while in Nasarawa Gwahimba Vincent convicted 30 out of 35 offenders arraigned on the same date.

The convicted drivers were jailed for two months with option of fines ranging between N2,000 and N10,000 in line with the FRSC Establishment act,2007 and the National Traffic Regulations,2012.  The most prevalent offences were overloading, seat belt, tyre violations and mechanically defective vehicles.

Terry Hoomlong, deputy route commander and acting zonal public education officer., said  the ZCO assured the command will continue the prosecution of erring drivers especially those with critical offences such as overloading, dangerous driving, speed limit violations, tyre violations, route violations, use of phone while driving, driving under influence, mechanically deficient vehicle and failure to fix speed limiting devices.

He said that, the zone is putting in place measures to address traffic situations in the coming ember months, adding that road safety is a collective responsibility and that therefore, the motoring public must also take responsibility to ensure they obey traffic rules and be disciplined for a safe and successful ember month.

 Kelly Kelechukwu