NAN-DS-13
Pedestrians
By Lizzy Agbaji
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The FCT Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corp Commander Sunday Oghenekaro, has warned pedestrians on the grave dangers of walking while in a drunken state.
Oghenekaro gave the warning at the Jabi Motor Park during this year’s “Don’t Drink and Drive’’ Road Safety Campaign in Abuja on Wednesday.
The commander said that in the past, much emphasis had been on drunk driving.
He said it was also important to raise awareness on the dangers of being drunk and walking as it posed serious danger just as driving while drunk to the pedestrian and other road users.
He said that there have been several reported cases of drunk persons crossing roads recklessly, thereby causing serious road accidents.
“It is the responsibility of the pedestrian to ensure and promote personal and general safety by refraining from drinking or ingesting drugs while using the road.
“This may impair his sense of reasoning and consequently, poor judgment when using the road, and ultimately leading to road crashes.
“This campaign is slated for the“ EMBER’’ months, to create awareness and raise warnings on the wrong use of drugs and alcohol as most events and festivals are celebrated this period.
“Hence the need for the campaign and warnings that must be faithfully embraced by all.”
Oghenekaro urged pedestrians to comply with traffic signals and rules, especially on the use of pedestrians’ crossings facilities.
He said that Regulation 173 of the National Road Traffic Rules (NRTR) 2012, stipulates that no pedestrian should conduct himself in a manner likely to constitute danger to himself and others.
“Any person who acts in contravention of this regulation shall be liable to a conviction to a fine of N2,000 or a term of three months imprisonment or both,’’ he said. (NAN)
LIZ/JPE/NKO
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Edited by Joseph Edeh/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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