By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
In a bid to enhance road safety and ensure the well-being of its passengers, the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation recently organized a two-day training program for its drivers. The training, which took place at the company’s headquarters in Abakaliki, aimed to equip drivers with essential safety measures and best practices.
The training session saw the collaboration of prominent safety organizations, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Representatives from these organizations shared valuable insights and expertise to educate drivers on various aspects of road safety.
Speaking to journalists, the Safety Manager of EBOTRANS, Mr. Eribo Abraham, stated that the training aim at sensitizing the drivers on safety measures while driving.
Adding, ‘ the purpose of the training is to ensure that our drivers’ knowledge in driving and other areas is updated, considering the caliber of people that travel with us. We want to maintain a standard that will be comfortable for our passengers. Therefore, we need to update their knowledge in driving and other areas.”
“We invited the Road Safety Corps and the police for security tips, and the NDLEA to educate our drivers on drug-related matters, whether as consumers or reporters. We don’t want our vehicles to be conduits for drug trafficking, so if our drivers have knowledge, they can prevent such incidents,” he added.
During the training, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Superintendent Commandant Uchechukwu Anyim, emphasized the importance of responsible driving behavior and adherence to traffic regulations. Key topics such as driver’s licensing, vehicle maintenance, and the proper usage of seat belts were highlighted.
“The road safety teachings about safety are not only limited to commercial drivers but to everyone using the road. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, tricyclist, or using your private vehicle, obeying and adhering strictly to road usage laws is crucial,” Anyim said.
The head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit at NDLEA Ebonyi State, Mr. Godwin Erekpa, delivered a compelling message urging drivers to steer clear of drug abuse. He emphasized the need for drivers to exercise caution when handling luggage and to conduct thorough security checks to prevent inadvertent involvement in drug-related activities.
“Drivers should not involve in drug abuse. They should be sure of the content of any luggage they’re carrying and carry out security checks on the person bringing the luggage,” he stated.
The Medical Director of God’s Vision Eye Clinic, Dr. Ejike Ezediokpu, emphasized the significance of good vision for safe driving. He encouraged drivers to prioritize regular eye check-ups to ensure optimal vision and prevent accidents on the road.
Chukwu Gabriel and Ukpai George, both participants of the training, lauded the initiative, while appreciating the management for organizing the workshop to enlighten drivers on the culture of safety, thereby reducing road accidents.
Gabriel stated, “Most of the issues NDLEA officers taught us are new to us. This training has broadened our knowledge. We now know how to attend to our customers properly, especially in the waybill aspect. Most times, we don’t get it right, but now I believe we will get it right.”