FRSC Hints On Jail Term For Erring Drivers Causing Accidents

THE Federal Road Safety on Wednesday, recommended the imposition of jail terms on drivers responsible for road accidents across the country.

The recommendation was made by FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, in Abuja while reacting to recent avoidable crashes in Oyo, Kano, and Kaduna states during a press conference on the outcome of the 2024 Easter and Sallah special patrol operations.

A total of 18 fatalities were recorded, on April 18 and 19, 2024 during road crashes at Gaya Junction in Kano and Tashan Yari in Kaduna.

Another crash on the Oyo-Ogbomosho route also claimed the lives of 19 passengers on April 14, 2024.

Biu while speaking on the development, noted that the FRSC had urged all state governments to prosecute these drivers rigorously for violating road laws.

He stressed the need for stringent penalties, including jail terms without the option of fines, to deter reckless driving.

He said, “We have written to all state governors to help prosecute drivers that are causing road crashes. We have received a letter from the Kaduna State government of its commitment to prosecute these drivers.

“We hope that other states will follow suit in directing their commissioners of justice or police so that the drivers who indulge or violate road rules are prosecuted.

‘In fact, we are advocating for a jail term without an option of fine so that by the time we have 50 jailed drivers, everyone will take caution. It is a collective effort.”

The Corps Marshal said FRSC was collaborating with the judiciary across all 36 states to expedite the trial of drivers involved in road accidents.