The Head of Operations for the Motor Vehicle Administration at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Cross River Command, Akak Eyo, has emphasized that the VIO is the only agency with the legal authority to provide accident reports. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar, Eyo addressed the issue of overlapping responsibilities among sister agencies in the road traffic sector.
In the event of a road crash, Eyo explained that the traffic unit of the Nigeria Police Force is responsible for arriving at the accident scene. The Federal Road Safety officials, on the other hand, are tasked with clearing the road and transferring victims to hospitals or morgues.
Eyo highlighted that it is the role of VIO officials, who are mostly engineers, to investigate and determine the cause of the accident. He added, “Police officers who are well-versed in their duties within the traffic unit will write a letter to the VIO, requesting an accident inspection and report because it falls under their jurisdiction.”
Addressing road safety in Cross River, Eyo emphasized that road crashes in the state are minimal. He delivered a message to road users, particularly commercial bus and taxi drivers, urging them to exhibit less anxiety and carelessness while using the roads.
“Stopping in the middle of the road or at unauthorized places to pick up or drop off passengers in an attempt to outsmart other drivers creates congestion and increases the likelihood of accidents,” Eyo stated.
Eyo revealed that the state’s VIO, through its Director of Road Transport Services, Paul Bepeh, is currently conducting campaigns in public spaces such as markets, parks, and religious organizations. The main message being conveyed is “Safety First, Drive to Survive,” which is the theme for 2023.
Eyo emphasized the importance of drivers having a duly registered vehicle, a valid driver’s license, a first aid box, and four liters of water in the boot of their vehicles as precautionary measures on the road, which can potentially save lives.
One challenge faced by the VIO, according to Eyo, is the negative perception some Nigerians have towards the agency. Many drivers become angry when they are stopped for inspection. Eyo clarified, “All that is expected is for you to stop and submit yourself for inspection, which is for your own good and the good of society. If you are cleared, you may continue on your journey. If you are cautioned for a misdemeanor, it is not because the agency dislikes you.”
NAN
