The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) on Tuesday said it was collaborating with other sister agencies to arrest drivers of unlatched containerised trucks and impound such vehicle, while on transit in the state.
The TRACE Commander, Mr Olaseni Ogunyemi, spoke with the Newsmen, through Mr Adekunle Ajibade, the Sango-Ota Area Commander,
in Ota, Ogun.
Ogunyemi said the arrest of drivers of unlatched containerised trucks and impounding the vehicles were in line with the directive of the state government.
He said that the rate of accidents involving unlatched containerised trucks was alarming, worrisome and unbearable.
The commander said the corps would no longer allow the incessant accident cases involving containerised trucks to continue in the state.
Ogunyemi said that majority of the trucks and articulated vehicles, apart from not being roadworthy, carried unlatched containers, while on the roads, leading to heavy casualties during such crash.
He said the corps operation would also focus on offences of driving without a valid licence, under the influence of intoxicating substances like drugs and alcohol, with worn-out tyres and testing of drivers with alcoholiser.
Ogunyemi said that any erring driver apprehended would be prosecuted, mandated to go for psychiatric evaluation test and have his vehicle confiscated.
He called on logistics companies to ensure that their drivers were well-trained with valid driver’s licence and roadworthy vehicles before embarking on a journey.
Ogunyemi further said that TRACE and other sister agencies had started rigorous public enlightenment in trucks and articulated vehicles park across the state.
He enjoined motorists to always obey traffic rules while driving.
According to him, the corps will always have zero tolerance for traffic undisciplined that could endanger other peoples’ lives and property as a result of avoidable crashes.
Ogunyemi urged the operatives to always consider their safety first in the cause of discharging their duties.