The Federal Road Safety Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, said it has deployed 547 operatives including special marshals to man strategic locations within the state during the Easter celebration.

A statement by the state Sector Commander, Matthew Olonisaye, issued by the Public Enlightenment Officer, Paul James, on Thursday, in Uyo, said 11 patrol vehicles and 2 ambulances had been deployed, while arrangement had been made for tow trucks to clear any obstruction during the period.

The statement called on all motorists and other categories of road users to apply caution while using the roads, especially during the Easter celebration.

“To align with the Corps strategic goal of 15% reduction in road traffic crash fatality, and ensure free-flow of traffic for ease of doing business in the state, 547 operatives including special marshals have been deployed to man strategic points and locations within the state.For effective coverage of all critical areas, 11 patrol vehicles and 2 ambulances were also deployed, while arrangement have been made for tow trucks to clear any obstruction during the period.

“To strategically administer her statutory functions, the Command will, in addition to the regular patrol operations, conduct Mobile Court session in conjunction with the judiciary, carry out traffic count to determine vehicular volume in relation to various routes of the state, conduct traffic control at gridlock areas, deploy standby rescue team for rescue operation when the need arises and conduct Breathalyzer test to ascertain blood alcohol concentration of drivers during patrol operation and at motor parks.For avoidance of doubt, critical enforcement target will border on: speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking lane indiscipline/route violation road obstruction; use of phone while driving; overloading; seatbelt/child restraint use violation; passenger manifest violation; operating mechanically deficient/rickety vehicles; latching and twist-locks violation; illegal use of the spy number and other number plate violations, among others.The Command, however, appreciates the efforts of all who contributed towards making the roads safe. Of course, road safety remains a shared responsibility which no single organisation can tackle all alone without the support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders.”

He, therefore, urged the people to remain active by always observing traffic rules and regulation and reporting road and other emergencies promptly to the FRSC toll free line -122