FRSC engages vulcanizers to reduce tyre-related accidents

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra has urged vulcanizers to improve in their tyre care services to reduce tyre-related road accidents.

The state Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander, made the call on Saturday at a workshop for members of Awka South Vulcanizers’ Union.

The workshop was aimed to promote a safer motoring environment.

Alexander described tyres as essential components of a vehicle.

According to her, tyre maintenance is often ignored or assigned to people with little understanding of tyre safety rules and protocols.

“The engagement with the vulcanizers is necessary in view of the services they provide, which have a direct link with road safety.

“They need to understand the different tyre types, pressure and tread depth, because these are things that expose drivers, passengers and other road users to road crashes.

“We are recommending implementation and enforcement of standards for tyre repairs, vulcanizers’ training and certification to ensure their competence.

“FRSC is also collaborating with vulcanizers’ union and transport authorities on campaigns to educate drivers on proper tyre maintenance and the dangers of poor repairs,” she said.

In a lecture entitled: ‘The Role of Vulcanizers in Reducing Road Traffic Crashes”, Mr Justin Francis, a Superintendent Route Commander of FRSC, identified the roles of vulcanizers in road safety.

He said that inadequate training in services of vulcanizers was contributing to inefficiency, adding that improved tyre safety and quality tyre care services were necessary for road safety.

Mrs Christy Okonkwo, Head, Technical Service Department, FRSC, said that the resolutions adopted at the workshop would serve as a framework for enhancing services of vulcanizers in the state.

Mr Chukwudi Nwokoye, Chairman of the vulcanizers’ union, expressed the willingness and readiness of the members to collaborate with FRSC to raise the the quality of their services and improve road safety.