Government drivers in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, have been made to undertake a course in defensive driving as part of efforts to reduce increasing road accidents and related fatalities in the state.

The “Defensive Driving Course for Drivers of Security Agencies and Government Establishments in Anambra State” commenced on yesterday, April 22, 2013.

The two-day course organised by the state government in the state capital Awka includes vision testing and involves over 100 drivers in the first batch. Dignitaries present at the flag off included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Oseloka Obaze, Head of Service (HOS) Chidi Ezeoke, Federal Road safety Commission (FRSC) Zonal Commander Wole Olaniran, FRSC Sector Commander Hyginius Omeje, and the state Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chike Ohamobi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Olaniran observed that “the high rate of tragic accidents on Nigerian roads is traceable to human factor.” He thanked the state governor, Mr. Peter Obi, for his unalloyed support for the FRSC.

In his remarks, SSG Obaze decried the impunity with which those entrusted with government vehicles abuse traffic codes, chase road users off the road and oftentimes drive illegally, thereby putting the general public at risk. He warned the trainees that “driving is a privilege, not a licence to kill or maim.” The SSG drew the attention of all in attendance that 2011-2020 has been declared the UN Decade for road safety.

•Photo shows a cross-section of those at the training programme . . . yesterday in Awka.