The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 4 secured the convictions, by mobile court, of at least 76 traffic offenders during the yuletide season.
The 76 violators were convicted by mobile courts in Akwanga and Keffi Unit Commands of Nasarawa State.
FRSC zone 4 comprises of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States.
This was contained in a media statement issued by the Acting Zonal Public Education Officer Zone RS4, Jos, Olusegun Owoeye, a Route Commander
Giving the breakdown of the convictions, Owoeye said, 30 traffic offenders were arraigned for traffic offenses violations before a Nasarawa State Senior Magistrate, Victoria Ishaku sitting in Akwanga
He added that 46 offenders arraigned for similar traffic offenses before Chief Magistrate Jibrin Isa Shittu were also found guilty and convicted as charged.
The convicted drivers were jailed for periods between two (2) and six (6) months with the option of fines ranging between two thousand and ten thousand naira in line with the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 and the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012.
He said the most prevalent offences FRSC arraigned the drivers for were speeding, overloading, Drivers License Violation, Seat Belt Use violation, Dangerous Overtaking and Lane Indiscipline.
It would be recalled that on December 15, 2020, the Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone 4, Assistant Corps Marshal (Dr) Kayode Olalagunju mni flagged off “OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE” to ensure sanity on the road during the Christmas and New Year period in the Zone.
The Commander who said that the Special Patrol Operation would continue till January 15, 2021 insisted that it was to checkmate increased mobility, Road Traffic Law Violations and Crashes associated with the Yuletide period.
He therefore directed all Commanding Officers in the Zone to ensure prompt arrest and prosecution of traffic offenders
“The operation is extended to January 15, 2021 to prevent the “hangover effect” which may aead to crashes in the early days of the new year, a period when many motorists are tempted to violate traffic rules believing that they had already survived the most dangerous period, the EMBER months, hence they could afford to take some chances on the highways,” Olagunju said.
He has also warned road users that in liaison with the three States of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa, more Mobile Courts will be put in place to try erring road users.
He advised motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations to avoid starting the new year behind bars or with the burden of paying fines, as may be determined by the Magistrates.
The Zonal Commanding Officer stated that the special Operations entailed education of road users and enforcement of critical offences such as Speeding, Dangerous Driving, Overtaking violation, Lane and Route violation, Obstructions, Use of Phone While Driving, Use of Mechanically Deficient Vehicles, Drivers License violation, Seat Belt Violation among others.
While reiterating that the Corps would not spare any reprobate and recalcitrant offender, the Zonal Commanding Officer enjoined all motorists to exhibit caution while using the roads and ensure that their vehicles were in good working conditions.
He also advised motorists to always remain alert and observe all traffic rules and regulations while using the roads.
While he enjoined drivers to be conscious of the challenges which road environment and COVID-19 posed to the nation’s health, safety, security and wellbeing by driving to stay alive, he admonished all transport operators and road users to always comply with COVID 19 Protocols.
