FRSC, Guinness harp on alcohol-free driving

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in conjunction with Guinness Nigeria Plc on Wednesday reinstated that alcohol consumption among commercial drivers top statistics of cases of road crashes in Nigeria.

Only this year, the FRSC has recorded no fewer than 5,707 road crashes between January and August, leaving 3,048 people dead and 17,446 others rescued, but this figure could be reduced drastically if drivers avoid drink drive, Lagos Sector Command, Hyginus Omeje said, while flagging off the command’s 2016 road safety ember months responsible drinking awareness in Lagos.

Omeje said: “Most drivers (commercial and private) drink alcohol before driving. Even the “okada riders” contribute to the figure.”According to him, some of the road traffic crashes recorded had an underlying factor of driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Alcohol is a major factor which directly or indirectly contributes to the cause of high percentage,” he added.But the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa said when consumed moderately and responsibly by adults who choose to drink, alcohol could play a positive role in social occasions and celebrations.

He said: “When you drink, don’t drive. When you go out in a group to have fun, designate someone to drive and that person should not drink. If you are going out alone, arrange for taxi to take you home after you have had some drink. Whatever you do this season, please do not drink and drive.”