FRSC and TRACE Mobilize for Easter Traffic and Emergency Management in Ogun State
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun State Sector Command has initiated a comprehensive deployment of Regular and Special Marshals across key roadways to facilitate smooth traffic flow and reduce accident rates throughout the Easter celebration period. Sector Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin emphasized that this strategic move is designed to guarantee safe, efficient, and uninterrupted travel for motorists during the festive season.
Enhanced Enforcement and Patrol Operations
Fasakin, aligning with the directives of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, highlighted the necessity of this operation due to the expected increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic as Nigerians participate in Easter observances. The command will intensify efforts to curb critical traffic violations that often lead to road crashes, including:
- Excessive speeding
- Dangerous overtaking maneuvers
To bolster these efforts, the FRSC has activated round-the-clock patrol, rescue, and traffic management services, supported by a fleet of patrol vehicles, ambulances, and tow trucks. Specific instructions have been issued to Acting Unit Commander of Ota, Chief Route Commander Wasiu Ogunmefun, to execute strategic traffic realignment at the Old Toll Gate along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
Public Safety Advisories and Responsibilities
Commander Fasakin urged the motoring public to take personal responsibility for their safety, stating, "It is only the living who celebrate." He advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to avoid distracted driving practices that could compromise safety on the roads.
TRACE's Concurrent Deployment for Emergency Services
In a parallel initiative, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has also deployed officers to provide prompt emergency and rescue management operations during and after the Easter festivities. Acting Commander Elias Ominayajo announced this deployment in Abeokuta, noting that the exercise will ensure effective traffic management, timely clearance of obstructions, and immediate rescue services on a 24-hour basis.
Focus on Major Traffic Corridors
The TRACE operation will concentrate on several major corridors to address potential traffic issues, including:
- Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- Interchange-Sagamu-Ijebu/Ode-Benin/Ore Expressway
- Sango/Ota-Atan-Owode-Idiroko Highways
- Atan-Lusada-Agbara-Badagry Highway
- Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Interchange Expressway
- Abeokuta-Ewekoro-Ifo-Sango/Ota Expressway
- Rounder-Abeokuta-Olorunda-Ayetoro-Imeko-Ilara Border
Ominayajo explained, "We will carry out the operation throughout the festive period and will involve the full deployment of TRACE operational resources from all commands to man strategic beats and check points along the Ogun 27 major traffic corridors to reduce the excesses of recalcitrant motorists, tricyclists, and motorcyclists."
Anticipated Challenges and Professional Conduct
He further noted that the Easter period is likely to generate heavy flows of human and vehicular movement, potentially leading to traffic build-ups, breakdowns of poorly maintained vehicles, obstructions, and road traffic crashes. To mitigate these risks, Ominayajo has directed Field Commanders to ensure that TRACE operatives maintain a civil, professional, fair, and firm approach in their duties, prioritizing public safety.
Additional Safety Recommendations
The commander also issued advisories to motorists, tricyclists, and motorcyclists, urging them to:
- Replace defective vehicle components that could endanger other road users
- Avoid excessive speed
- Refrain from night travels
- Prevent overloading
- Steer clear of using worn-out tyres
- Abstain from driving against traffic (one-way)
These coordinated efforts by FRSC and TRACE aim to enhance road safety and ensure a secure environment for all travelers during the Easter celebrations in Ogun State.
