The Nigerian Society of Engineers Abeokuta Branch, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB)  have solicited support of the National Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to apprehend alcohol hawkers in and around motor parks in Ogun State.

The TRACE Corps Commander, Seni Ogunyemi, made this known at a sensitization tour to motor parks and garages across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, organised by TRACE, in collaboration with NSE and PAGADEB, Ogun State Chapter.

Ogunyemi noted that the support of the drug agency would help in reducing the sale and consumption of alcohol in motor parks, which would in turn, reduce accident rate on the roads.

While stressing the need for safety on roads, the TRACE boss admonished the executive members of the various transport unions, to monitor and punish erring drivers, who failed to comply with traffic rules and regulations.

“It is important for our drivers in all motor parks to plan their journeys before setting out. This will undoubtedly help in reducing road accidents. We will continue to preach the gospel of ‘don’t drink and drive’ because safety on our roads is a collective responsibility. Let us join hands to make our roads safer”, Ogunyemi said.

On his part, the Chairman, NSE, Ogun State Chapter, Engr. Olanrewaju Apampa, FNSE, noted that an emotionally balanced driver would be in total control of his vehicle while on the road, charging drivers to do all within their means to safeguard the lives of passengers.

“We are here to reinforce the efforts of TRACE, to ensure safety on our roads and to pass on our message that the three elements of traffic engineering; the driver, the vehicle and the road can work in tandem, if the most element, that is, the driver, is emotionally balanced”, he revealed.

In the same vein, the General Manager, PAGADEB, Alhaji Ayo Ogunsolu harped on the need to constantly enlighten commercial drivers and other road users on safe driving, saying this would go a long way in reducing road crashes in the State.

He called on well meaning individuals and corporate bodies in the State, to take a cue from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and collaborate with the traffic managers, to help reduce road crashes to the barest minimum.

Responding on behalf of the transport unions in the State, the Secretary General, Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ogun State Branch, Alhaji Mukaila Mustapha, said the sensitisation was educative, as it would guide them to be safety conscious, while on the roads.

Highlight of the Safety Awareness Campaign exercise was the distribution and pasting of the Safety Awareness Campaign Stickers and flyers to the Motorists at the Motor Parks and within Abeokuta metropolis generally.