By Christian Njoku
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has stopped three drivers from travelling after testing positive for high alcohol levels.
The FRSC also urged passengers to report reckless driving through its toll-free line, 122, to ensure safer roads during the Easter celebrations.
Corps Commander Innocent Etuk, Sector Commander, Cross River Command, gave the advice during a sensitisation visit to motor parks in Calabar.
Etuk said the exercise was aimed at educating drivers and passengers on safety measures amid increased travel during the festive period.
He urged passengers to monitor drivers’ behaviour and report any abnormal conduct through the toll-free line for prompt intervention.
The commander said the affected drivers were replaced after tests revealed alcohol levels above the recommended limit.
According to him, drunk driving impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents, stressing the need for strict compliance with safety standards.
Etuk said public enlightenment remained a continuous process, adding that the Corps would sustain efforts to improve road safety consciousness.
“The basic blood alcohol content for drivers is 0.005 millimeters, but we discovered three drivers with higher levels during our sensitisation,” he said.
He listed the readings as 1.32, 0.72 and 0.56 millimetres, noting they were above the acceptable limit for drivers.
He said safety managers of the transport companies were advised to replace the affected drivers in line with national safety strategies.
A driver, Mr Joseph Dennis, commended the sensitisation, noting it would encourage drivers to adhere to safety rules.
Dennis, however, appealed to FRSC officials to avoid harassment of motorists and excessive fines on highways.
“Times are hard and drivers earn little; taking their money in the name of enforcement is not fair,” he said.
Some passengers also commended the initiative, describing it as timely to curb reckless driving during the busy travel season.
Mrs Helen Effiong, travelling from Calabar to Port Harcourt, called for improved driver discipline, citing reckless driving and overloading.
She also raised concerns over disputes between drivers and passengers regarding luggage charges.
