The National President of Heavy Duty Drivers’ Association, Mr Uchenna Nebuwa, has warned his members against reckless driving, especially wrong overtaking, during the ’ember’ months.
Nebuwa issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Friday.
He further advised them to subject their trucks to routine servicing to ensure their road worthiness rather than managing them with the attendant risk.
He described the ember months as a period of temptation for drivers, with so many vehicles on the road.
“I want every truck driver to be cautious and ensure that their vehicle brakes are active before embarking on any journey.
“One of the major causes of accidents on our highways is faulty brakes.
“I, therefore, urge our drivers to take time to sleep at least for an hour before taking off.
“Observing that little sleep and rest will prevent drivers from dozing off while on the wheels.
“It will also help them to observe all the road signs and know where there are signs of bridges, diversions and bends,’’ Nebuwa said.
He said that the body regularly carried out sensitisation for its members on the dangers of overloading.
He also warned members against the use of inferior spare parts as well as expired, used and worn out tyres to avoid road mishaps
He urged them to obey road signs and traffic rules and regulations issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Also, the Chairman, Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra Chapter, Mr Chukwuemeka Olekpe, warned his members against smoking and drinking while on the road
Olekpe said that the association discourages under-age drivers within its fold to further check road accidents.
He said that any member caught smoking or drinking while driving pays N50,000 fine and his vehicle parked for one week.
