The FRSC? on Wednesday in Abeokuta? launched a new licence for commercial drivers operating in Ogun.
Speaking at the launching in Ita Oshin Motor Park, the state’s? Sector Commander, Ayobami Omiyale, said the introduction of the new licence would reduce accidents.
He said it was important for the command to follow the steps of other states of the federation by launching the “ Class D ’’ licence? for commercial drivers? in the state.
Omiyale? said the introduction of the? licence followed the noticeable involvement of commercial drivers in accidents across the country.
He said:? “In 2011, Nigeria recorded? 41,715 crashes and Ogun accounted? for 20 per cent of that figure, is that not alarming?
?“We have observed that commercial drivers record more accidents? because they have no time to take care of their vehicles and as well as their health.
“You will hardly find a commercial driver using recommended eye glasses, does it mean that they all have good sights?
?“A driver with bad eyes and other health challenges will surely drive astray and the result is accident.
“Some commercial drivers have high blood pressure without knowing it.
“One of the guidelines for the issuance of the new licence is to undergo a comprehensive health check at a Federal Government hospital before they can get it.
“The test will include test of sugar and blood pressure, eyes, ear and anthises as well as epilepsy.
?“Intending drivers must pass these tests and if they fail any, they would be placed on drugs? and this will enable us control a lot of road crashes.’’
Omiyale also said drivers must observe at least eight hours rest before embarking on a long distance journey as well as obey traffic rules and regulations.
The FRSC boss further said that any driver that refused to obtain the new licence by Oct. 1 would be prosecuted.
The representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Adetunji Odunfa, commended the FRSC for introducing? the new licence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that free medical examination was? conducted for drivers at the venue.
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