FRSC to prosecute motorists for drinking alcohol while driving

•Commission to conduct vision acuity tests on drivers
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has threatened to prosecute motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol.

The corps zonal commander R5HQ, Kehinde Adeleye gave the warning yesterday in Benin City, during the inauguration of responsible drinking campaign by Guinness Nigeria.

Guinness also donated Breathalyser kits, a device to test if motorists were driving under the influence of alcohol.

Adeleye explained that road safety is everybody’s business, adding that vehicles, particularly articulated trucks impounded during the ember months for traffic offences will not be released until January 15, 2019.

He also announced that mobile courts would be set up during the period to try erring drivers.

Everest Ogohnim, who represented Guinness Benin Plant Manager, Alli Bayo, said the campaign is to ensure safe roads and reduce road crashes in the state during the yuletide season.

He said: “As a company, we are passionately committed to responsible drinking and enlightening the public about the values of responsible alcohol consumption.

“During the period referred to as ember months, which is from September to December, we are eager to create increased awareness to ensure that Nigerians have an accident free experience.”

Adeleye commended Guinness for donating the kit, which would address the incidents of recklessness of drivers under the influence of alcohol.

The collaboration elicited commitments from the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who promised never to drink and drive.

Meanwhile, Corp Marshal of the FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, yesterday disclosed that the commission would conduct vision acuity test on drivers to check defective eyesight.