By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its enforcement of traffic regulations, with a driver sentenced to one month imprisonment after marshals discovered 15 passengers concealed beneath the tarpaulin of a truck.
The development formed part of the Corps’ ongoing crackdown on dangerous road practices, particularly the illegal conveyance of passengers in goods vehicles.
The passengers were reportedly discovered during a routine enforcement operation when FRSC personnel stopped and inspected the truck.
The discovery highlights the dangers associated with the practice of carrying passengers in inappropriate and unsafe sections of articulated vehicles, exposing occupants to serious risks in the event of a crash.
The FRSC has repeatedly warned motorists and commercial transport operators against overloading, dangerous driving and other violations of road safety regulations.
The Corps has also maintained that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted where necessary, as part of efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities nationwide.
The conviction of the driver underscores the resolve of the road safety agency to enforce compliance and deter motorists from compromising the safety of passengers for financial gains.
FRSC authorities have urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid overloading and ensure that vehicles are used only for purposes permitted by law.
The Corps further advised members of the public to avoid patronising operators who transport passengers in unsafe compartments of trucks and other vehicles, stressing that road safety remains a shared responsibility.