NAN-DS-9
Alcohol
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov.16, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has identified alcohol impairment as one of the causes of road accidents in the country.
Mr Sunday Iyamah, Ebonyi Sector Commander of the corps, said this on Wednesday in Abakaliki during a sensitisation rally organised for motorists on the dangers of driving under alcoholic influence.
Iyama said the annual event was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Breweries PLC to enlighten the public on the dangers of ‘drunk-driving’.
“Alcohol has some benefits when taken in moderation, but is injurious to driving no matter the level of moderation.
“It serves as a depressant or stimulant depending on the quantity or type taken and its impairment also influences the severity of injuries sustained during crashes,” he said.
The sector commander also said that alcohol increased crash risks even at a ‘low-blood’ or ‘breathe-concentration’.
“This makes victims prone to over confidence, poor judgment of distances, increased drivers’ reaction-time, decreased vision acuity, un-calculated risks, among others.
“It also has significant effect on post-crash phase as it has analgesic and anaesthetic properties that can suppress pain.
“These properties are dangerous in cases of post-crash care in the areas of diagnosis, treatment and management as victims seldom experience intense pain that leads to discovery of injuries or body-parts dislocation,” he said.
Mr Samuel Obayemi, Enugu Zonal Commanding Officer of the Corps, urged motorists to always shun alcohol when driving and desist from driving when under alcohol influence.
“The sensitisation programme would cut across states in the zone to ensure that drivers don’t drive under the influence of alcohol to save lives.
“This sensitisation programme is paramount because of the prevailing ‘Ember Months’ when there are increased vehicular movements with people striving to meet various engagements,” he said.
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi commended the FRSC for the programme and said that the state government would assist in ensuring reduction of road accidents in the state.
Umahi, represented by Mr Felix Eworo, his Special Assitant on Transport, noted that the state government would dedicate a special day for drivers in the state to drink and not drive.
“You will have your fill on that day and would not drive to help in forming the habit of not driving when you consume alcohol,” he said.
Mr Benjamin Nworie, a Commercial Bus Driver, noted that he would educate his colleagues not to drive under alcohol influence, especially during the ‘Ember Months’.
Goodwill messages were given at the occasion by representatives of Nigerian Breweries, leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Tricycle and Commercial Motorcycle Association, among others.
The event was also witnessed by ‘sister’ agencies such as the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), among others.
The theme of the rally was, ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’. (NAN)
RCO/AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf