New FRSC boss vows crackdown on reckless driving

The newly appointed Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, Corps Commander Japhet Dajangla, has vowed to strengthen enforcement against traffic violations and intensify crash prevention measures to make roads across the state safer.

Dajangla, who called for greater cooperation among stakeholders, said his administration would prioritise public enlightenment, professional enforcement, emergency response and rescue operations to reduce road traffic crashes and save lives.

He made the pledge in Jos while delivering his maiden address at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by representatives of government ministries, security agencies, emergency response organisations, transport unions, fleet operators, traditional and religious leaders, the media and FRSC personnel.

The address, made available to Arewa PUNCH in Jos on Thursday, came as the new Sector Commander outlined his vision for road safety in the state.

Dajangla said he accepted the appointment as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute to the protection of lives on the nation’s roads.

“I accept this appointment not merely as a position of leadership, but as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives on our roads,” he said.

Describing Plateau as a state with a vibrant economy, significant tourism potential and important commercial routes, he noted that its road network connected communities, businesses and neighbouring states.

He, however, warned that every journey involved human lives and required responsible conduct by motorists and other road users.

“Every traveller has a family waiting for him or her. Every driver carries lives in his or her hands. Every road user deserves to return home safely. That is the responsibility we have accepted,” he said.

The Sector Commander said his administration would remain committed to the statutory mandate of the Corps, with emphasis on preventing crashes and minimising their consequences when they occurred.

He assured motorists that enforcement would be firm but fair, adding that officers would be expected to discharge their duties with professionalism and respect for human dignity.

“Our enforcement activities will be professional, firm, fair and guided by the law. We shall not compromise on road safety, but we shall also ensure that enforcement is carried out with courtesy, integrity and respect for human dignity,” he stated.

Dajangla also called for stronger involvement of the Renewed Special Marshals in road safety campaigns, describing their volunteer scheme as a vital component of the Corps’ operations.

He said the volunteers would assist in public enlightenment, promote safe driving practices in schools, markets, religious institutions and motor parks, identify road hazards and support traffic management and emergency response operations.

He, however, clarified that the Special Marshals were not a replacement for regular FRSC personnel but partners in community mobilisation and advocacy.

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“Their strength lies in partnership, volunteerism, community mobilisation, advocacy and support,” he said.

The Sector Commander further pledged to strengthen the Renewed Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) in the state to enable it to support regular and Special Marshals, particularly through child safety campaigns.

He said road safety could not be achieved by the FRSC alone, calling for closer collaboration with the Plateau State Government, local government authorities, the police, other security agencies, hospitals, transport unions, fleet operators, civil society organisations and the media.

Dajangla specifically urged commercial drivers and transport operators to place safety above profit, warning that speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under fatigue or impairment, overloading and poor vehicle maintenance remained major dangers on the roads.

“No economic gain is worth the loss of a human life,” he warned.

On emergency response, he said prompt intervention after crashes could determine whether victims survived, promising to strengthen patrol and rescue operations and improve collaboration with hospitals and other emergency agencies.

He also promised to prioritise the welfare and professional development of officers and men of the Command, while demanding discipline, integrity and accountability.

The FRSC boss warned personnel against corruption, extortion and abuse of office, insisting that the uniform represented public trust.

“Every officer must understand that the uniform is a symbol of public trust. We must therefore reject corruption, extortion, abuse of office and any conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the Corps,” he said.

He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, observe speed limits, wear seat belts, avoid using mobile phones while driving and ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.

“Arriving late is better than not arriving at all,” he added.

Dajangla said his administration’s road safety strategy would be anchored on five principles: prevention, education, enforcement, rescue and partnership.

He added that the success of his leadership would be measured not by the number of traffic offenders arrested but by the lives saved, crashes prevented, victims rescued and families whose loved ones returned home safely.

“Our roads must become safer. Our communities must become more road-safety conscious. And every journey must have a better chance of ending safely,” he said.