The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Kwara Chapter, has warned drivers against operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, stressing the need for strict compliance with traffic regulations. State Chairman AbdulRahman Onikijipa issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Saturday, describing drunk driving as a major threat to road safety. He stated that alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces concentration, making it extremely dangerous for drivers to consume alcohol before driving. "It is wrong for any driver to consume alcohol and get behind the wheel," Onikijipa said, adding that such actions endanger lives. He urged motorists to avoid speeding, obey road signs, and refrain from reckless competition for passengers, which he identified as a contributing factor to road crashes. Onikijipa also called on transport operators and vehicle owners to educate drivers on the dangers of alcohol use and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. He emphasized that collective responsibility among road users could significantly reduce accidents and improve safety on Nigerian roads.
A transport union leader in Kwara is warning against drunk driving, yet commercial drivers continue to flout basic safety rules with regular impunity. The appeal for responsibility from operators and owners has been made many times before, with little evidence of lasting change. If warnings remain the only enforcement tool, the risk to passengers and other road users stays unaltered. Safety cannot depend only on voluntary compliance when lives are at stake.
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