Guinness Nigeria, FRSC Partner To Train New Drivers

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Guinness Nigeria Plc, a top brewer in Nigeria is in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to organize a structured training programme for new drivers that are undergoing licensing by sensitizing them on road safety rules.

This was made known by Mr. Peter Ndegwa, M.D. Guinness Nigeria Plc , at the press briefing to commence the 2017 edition of the FRSC – Guinness campaign for responsive drinking during the ember months. The training is aimed at increasing the awareness on the need to ensure safety on the road by avoiding drink-driving. Mr Ndegwa stated that, “Education and awareness will make a big difference. You have to let people know that drinking and driving do not, and should never meet.”

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who was represented by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said in a speech that the campaign was aimed at complementing the FRSC’s efforts towards safer motoring environment across the country.

The Sector Commander, FRSC Lagos Command, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, said the FRSC was in partnership with Guinness because one of the commission’s core mandate of educating drivers and other road users on safety tips.

He noted that bad attitude of road users as well as low level of road safety education and awareness was responsible for many road accidents.

The Sector Commander added that studies had shown that the causes of road traffic crashes were road, vehicle, and human factors, with human factor responsible for 85% of accidents.

 Omeje, who described the annual campaign as ‘spot on’ in reducing drink-driving, said the campaign took a new turn in 2015 with the provision of breathalyzers by Guinness Nigeria.

He said the breathalyzers were being used to test drivers’ use of alcohol while driving.

He stated that drivers who tested positive would be sanctioned.

“Aside from the ticket that will be issued, requiring the payment of a fine, the vehicle will be impounded, and the driver will be charged to court,” he noted.

According to him, a total of 1,298 drivers, who were stopped at random have been tested for alcohol influence since December 2015 till date.

“A total of 134 of these drivers tested positive, of which 50 per cent were commercial bus drivers. This is the reason why this year’s campaign will be taken to motor parks,” he said.