By SAM POPOOLA, Ota
The palace of Oba Onitetiku of Owode-Ijako in Ogun State on Wednesday became unusually lively when TRACE Agency graced the 14th coronation anniversary of the Kabiyesi, Oba Wasiu Adeyanju Ogungbayi with road safety advocacy.
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The TRACE Ogun West Area Commander, Ajibade Adekunle led three other commanders to the occasion, on behalf of the TRACE Commander General/CEO 'Seni Ogunyemi, including Olaoke Victoria, (Ota Command), Aduroja Ariyo (Owode-Ijako command) and Oseni Temitope (Ijoko command).
The audience which include traditional rulers, religious leaders, company's representatives, market men and women, mostly in white apparel listened with rapt attention when Commander Olaoke, with the fiat of the Area Commander, mounted the microphone, taking the enlightenment to the grassroots.
Urging all road users to shun the culture of impunity, be more careful and obedient to all traffic rules and regulations on the road, Cdr Olaoke said a lot of lives had been lost through nonchalant attitude to traffic regulations.
She gave a typical example, just happened while coming to the occasion, of a tipper driver who drove against the traffic, aka 'One Way', and on sighting TRACE Operatives coming on opposite direction in their patrol vans, changed to reverse gear and started driving back dangerously, not minding the presence of other road users.
Cdr Olaoke spoke vividly on importance of using seat belt while in front of the vehicle, adding that this has saved many lives that would have been lost in accidents. She however stressed that the law does not permit pregnant women who could not use seat belts to seat in front of the vehicle.
Cdr stressed that it is imperative to advise the public on the necessity of cautioning drivers against reckless driving, haphazard illegal parking in view of the spate of carnages on the roads.
He warned the leadership of popular markets within the axis of Owode-Ijako, Tollgate, Sango, Oju-Ore, Iyana-Iyesi, among others against allowing their members to sell or display goods on the highways to avoid unnecessary loss of lives, especially during and after the celebration, adding that this is important to prevent vehicles running into those selling goods on the roads.
The TRACE Commander expressed concern over the number of casualties recorded from crashes involving roadside traders on daily basis, adding that such sellers, apart from hindering free flow of traffic, exposing their lives to dangers.
“Crashes could be avoided if drivers and traders were cautious of safety while making use of the roads. "Those who continued trading along the road, especially from Tollgate to Owode-Ijako on Lagos-Abeokuta expressway are creating serious risk to themselves. Their lives are at risk apart from causing traffic gridlock," she said.
According to the TRACE Representative, the Ogun state government is interested in improvement on the preceeding year's record of reduction in accident rate in the state.
"TRACE Commander General/CEO has put all divisional/unit heads on their toes with the apt supervision of their Area Commanders, Deputy Area Commanders, and Corridor Commanders, to ensure the usual nonchalant attitude of drivers of various vehicles which usually lead to avoidable crashes is no longer tolerated by TRACE Agency in this year.
She advises that drivers should shun driving against the traffic, aka 'One Way', adding that it a dangerous offence that attracts stiffer penalty.
"Excessive driving, wrongful overtaking, haphazard parking, as well as abandoning vehicles on road at any time of the day, to obstruct other road users, are offences that cannot be overlooked and must be checked.
"Motorists should ensure their seat belts are on all the time, while they should remember that the use of mobile phones, as well as taking alcohol are still forbidden.
"Motorcycle riders, commercial and private should also wear their crash helmets, while tryclists (Marwa) should not carry passengers besides the riders.
"It is also important to enjoin Truck drivers to ensure the loads they carry are secured by using tarpolin cover. They should also endeavour to latch their container before moving.
"Drivers should also avoid to ply or park at prohibited areas, such as in front of banks, market square, churches, mosques, schools and junctions.
"Drivers should be careful and always take into consideration safety of students and other pedestrians while crossing roads".
Cdr Olaoke further reminded truck owners of the law banning movement of loaded trucks without tarpaulin, saying TRACE would no longer tolerate trucks moving on the roads without covering their loads with tarpaulin.
"We would like to enjoin drivers who have tarpaulin to always use it and those who don't have to possess one for their own benefit, as we are now giving notice of notification, after which apprehension will start on erring drivers by TRACE Operatives".
While presenting the message of "Long Live King" by the TRACE Commander General/CEO Dr (Prince) 'Seni Ogunyemi, Cdr Olaoke prayed for many happy anniversaries of more fruitful years on the throne of Onitetiku.
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