7th June, 2014
The Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna says more than 153 commercial vehicle drivers in the state have so far undergone free medical tests to ascertain their health conditions.
Commander of the corps in the state, Michael Olagunju, said in a statement on Saturday, signed by the Public Education Officer, Dajangla Martins, that the exercise was necessitated by the rise in cases of avoidable road traffic crashes involving commercial drivers.
He hoped that the exercise will alert drivers on their state of health, to enable them seek medication where necessary
He said there was the need to reduce road traffic crashes by 15 per cent, and fatality by 25 per cent, in line with 2014 Strategic Goal.
“The free medical test has become imperative to acquaint drivers with their health status, especially their blood pressure.
“The command is determined to ensure that only healthy drivers ply our roads in order to prevent road traffic accident arising from health challenges of drivers.” he said.
Olagunju said that the free medical test, which commenced on Thursday, would continue at major motor parks within Kaduna metropolis and other locations in the state, as a corporate social responsibility programme.
He therefore advised drivers to avoid any act that would negatively affect their health, such as not having enough rest after trips, poor eating habit and driving under the influence of drug or alcohol.
The commander also advised commercial tricycle operators to register with the State Board of Internal Revenue and Commercial Tricycle Operators Union, and obtain genuine number plates.