The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday appealed to truck drivers in Owerri, the Imo State capital to ensure their vehicles were safe and road worthy to avoid accidents.
NEMA’s head of operations for Imo State, Nnamdi Igwe, made the appeal during a road walk and public sensitisation rally for truck drivers at the Old Timber Market and the Alagbaso Timber Park along Aba Road, both in Owerri, following growing threats of tanker fire outbreaks across the country.
Igwe said the event was part of proactive disaster risk reduction campaign aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of fuel tanker accidents and fire incidents, saying it was to promote preventive safety practices among transporters, community members, and road users.
He told the drivers to always ensure they check their vehicle engine oil, radiator water/coolant, tyres, lights, fuel level, and that their batteries are well secured and charged before hitting the road.
Igwe said, “We are here to sensitize the drivers themselves to the need to take care of their vehicles when they’re on the road.
Some move with worn-out tires and even fire extinguishers.
“We are here to make them realise that they need to have the basic emergency tools to prevent disasters from happening to their own vehicles. And if their trucks break down, they should immediately move it out of the road, tow it for the safety of other road users, to avoid accidents and casualties”, Igwe said.
Representative of the Federal Fire Service Chioma Onyeukwu told the drivers to always have essential equipment in their vehicles, including a spare tyre, wheel spanner, first aid kit, reflective triangle or road hazard sign, torchlight, phone charger and/or power bank, as well as a valid driver’s license and vehicle papers.
She said, “Please when driving, ensure you maintain speed limits and obey road signs, don’t drink alcohol, always wear your seatbelt, don’t drive when tired, keep a safe distance from other vehicles especially tankers, avoid overtaking on curves or blind spots, and never use your phone while driving”, the Fire Service operative advised.
The sensitisation rally was attended by officials from the Nigerian Red Cross, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, and the Federal Fire Service
