Auto crashes: LG chairman wants stiffer penalty for road traffic violators in Bauchi

Following incessant road accidents, leading to deaths, injuries and loss of properties across the state, the chairman, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Iliya Habila, on Monday, called on the state sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to apply stiffer punishment for violators of road traffic rules and regulations.

Habila made the call in Bogoro, the local government headquarters, during the 2021 Special Christmas Carol, organised by the local government in collaboration with Bogoro chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

According to the chairman, who is a veteran journalist, stiffer punishment would help in curbing the recklessness of drivers, most of whom were under the influence of alcohol and other dangerous substances.

While lamenting reckless driving and disobedience of traffic rules by drivers, leading to cases of accidents recorded in the state in recent times, Habila called for prosecution of any drivers found wanting.

“Just a few days ago, a car had a head-on collision with a tipper and all the passengers on board the car lost their lives to the crash.

“I called on the state FRSC and other agencies responsible for traffic to ensure that henceforth, drivers arrested for recklessness should be prosecuted based on traffic laws.

“I am worried about the way drivers are driving recklessly these days. No regard for traffic rules, no caution and no concern for other road users.

“In the last one week, we have lost a number of lives through accidents caused by recklessness on the roads,” he said.

“As there will be an increased volume of traffic during this Yuletide, Habila admonished road users to always adhere strictly with traffic rules.

“We appeal to road users to please observe and adhere to traffic rules, particularly in this festive season when traffic volume has increased,” he advised.

The chairman also warned tipper drivers who drove at night without headlights and standard braking systems to desist from that, urging them to always put their tippers in perfect condition before plying the roads.

DAILY POST reports that no less than 68 lives have been lost to road accidents between November 1 and December 19, 2021.

Within the ongoing month of December alone, 33 deaths were recorded in four separate accidents in parts of the state, the latest being the fatal accident that occurred on Sunday night at Zalanga village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state in which five persons lost their lives.