The Ogun state House of Assembly Wednesday passed a resolution requesting the Ministry of Transportation and Environment alongside other relevant agencies to immediately design stringent measures to regulate the movements and activities of trailer drivers.
This resolution is to ensure compliance with road safety regulations in order to prevent avoidable road accidents that often led to loss of lives and properties.
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 debate on the motion, Hon. Ayodele stated that it was a call to action to protect the lives and property of the citizens, adding that it was imperative for all stakeholders 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 stated 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.
He said the accidents often led to devastating casualties, loss of lives, destruction of property, and environmental hazards due to spilled petrol and other substances; saying 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.”