Road Traffic Authorities Cracking Down on Traffic Offenders in Abuja

In a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents and improve road safety in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has impounded 9,389 vehicles for various traffic offenses in the past eight months. According to Kalu Emetu, the Head of Public Relations and Enlightenment of the service, the offending drivers are sent to the model drivers’ institute in Lugbe for correction.

At the institute, drivers learn the best practices for safe driving in the territory and are also subjected to tests to determine their fitness for the road. Emetu explained that drivers are made to pay fines as a revenue generation for the government, and they must fulfill stipulated conditions to regain control of their vehicles. In some cases, drivers are also required to undergo psychometric tests or psychoanalysis to determine if they are still fit to be on the road.

The DRTS is also cracking down on rickety vehicles, testing a total of 19,929 vehicles between January and August. While 9,234 passed the roadworthy test, 10,792 were sent back for further maintenance. Emetu attributed this improvement to the strategic increase in enforcement activities, which has encouraged more vehicle owners to patronize the inspection centers.

The centers, located in different parts of the city, aim to reduce the number of non-roadworthy vehicles on FCT roads, ultimately resulting in fewer road crashes. The DRTS has made it clear that all efforts are geared towards minimizing carnage on FCT roads and ensuring the safety of all road users.