Ogun State House of Assembly today passed a resolution requesting the State Ministries of Transportation and Environment alongside other relevant agencies to immediately design stringent measures to regulate the movements and activities of trailer drivers to ensure compliance with road safety regulations to prevent avoidable road accidents that of often lead to loss of lives and properties in the State.
The passage of the resolution titled: ” H.R. No. 123/ OG/ 2024- Urgent need to address the rising incident of trailer-related accidents on roads across the State”, followed the debate and adoption of the resolution through a motion moved by the Sponsor, Hon. Wasiu Ayodele, seconded by Hon. Babatunde Tella and unanimously supported by all the State lawmakers.
Earlier, while opening the debate on the motion, Hon. Ayodele stated that it was a call to action to protect the lives and property of the citizens; emphasizing that all stakeholders needed to rise to the occasion and ensure that trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles adhere to the highest safety standards while traversing State roads.
He explained that the motion would serve as a warning signal to prevent future tragedies and preserve the welfare of the people; while acknowledging the alarming increase in the number of accidents caused by trailers, especially those carrying petrol and other hazardous materials on the roads in the State.
According to him, the accidents often led to devastating casualties, loss of lives, destruction of property, and environmental hazards due to spilt petrol and other substances; stressing that many of “these accidents are attributed to issues such as poor vehicle maintenance, the use of underage or unqualified drivers, improper loading practices, and inadequate enforcement of road safety regulations”.
The lawmaker noted that the recklessness of some trailer drivers, coupled with the negligence of relevant enforcement agencies, had further exacerbated the risk faced by road users and communities along major highways in the State; noting that there was need for urgent intervention by relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Environment, and traffic management agencies, to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent future occurrences.
He therefore called on the relevant Ministries and agencies in the State to immediately design and implement stringent measures to regulate trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles entering the state; adding that the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and other road safety agencies should intensify enforcement of existing traffic laws, including: arresting drivers of trailers and heavy-duty vehicles who violate road safety regulations.
Requesting for the conduct of regular inspections of trailers to ensure proper maintenance, adequate clipping of loads, and compliance with safety standards, he sought the intervention of the Assembly to mandate the relevant agencies to establish a mechanism for checking the age and qualifications of trailer drivers operating in the State and ensure that only licensed and experienced drivers are allowed to drive heavy-duty vehicles.
Corroborating the Sponsor, Hon. Babatunde Tella, said he joined his colleague-lawmakers to support the motion aimed at addressing the increasing incidents of trailer-related accidents on the roads in the State, as it was clear that the rising number of accidents involving trailers, especially those transporting hazardous materials such as petrol, poses a grave threat to the safety of the people, property, and the environment.
According to him, “These accidents not only lead to tragic loss of lives but also cause severe damage to infrastructure and the environment, which in turn creates long-term economic and social challenges for our state.
The motion outlines vital measures, including the enforcement of road safety regulations and a stronger focus on the qualifications of trailer drivers, which are absolutely necessary to stem the tide of these accidents.
We must acknowledge that trailers, being heavy-duty vehicles, require special attention in terms of their maintenance, proper loading, and the qualifications of the drivers behind the wheel. The reckless behaviour of some trailer drivers and the failure to enforce regulations have made the roads dangerous for other road users.
The proposal to intensify the role of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), along with other relevant agencies, in carrying out regular inspections and ensuring adherence to safety standards, is a step in the right direction.
We must ensure that only qualified and licensed drivers are entrusted with operating these large vehicles to avoid the dangers associated with underage or untrained drivers.
Furthermore, the idea of launching public awareness campaigns is crucial to educate the public on how to respond to accidents involving hazardous materials, especially in preventing secondary incidents such as the fetching of spilt petrol. This approach will go a long way in minimizing casualties and preventing additional harm”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has commended Prince Dapo Abiodun -led administration in the State for the massive road intervention being completed in Ifo 2, State Constituency, especially along Alagbole- Akute, Ojodu and Hacules roads and other infrastructural projects in the area.
The commendation by the Speaker followed the presentation of Hon. Fatiu Salami, who took time out to appreciate the State Government on the massive road construction and other infrastructure being carried out in his constituency.
Rt. Hon. Elemide, however,, pleaded for the extension of such infrastructural projects being put in place in some parts of the State to all constituencies in the State.
