By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in collaboration with the West Africa Automobile Services L.td., have launched Automobile Safety kits to promote safe driving practices in the country.
The Executive National President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, while launching the initiative on Thursday in Abuja, reiterated the commitment of the association to fostering a safe environment for all motorists in the country.
He was represented by the association’s Deputy National President Administration, Amb. Mohammed Abubakar.
Maitakobi said the aims of the initiative was to encourage car owners and drivers to equip their vehicles with comprehensive safety kits.
He said that the association was determined to educate individuals about the essential components that contribute to a well equipped safety kits.
Maitakobi said that the initiative was expected to promote safe driving practices, and responsible ownership by emphasising the importance of preventive measures.
He called on the public to join hands with the association in making a difference by ensuring that every vehicle on the road has a well-equipped safety kits.
“We can minimise the impact of unforeseen circumstances and accidents, ultimately leading to a safer community and a brighter future for all.
“The launch of this initiative is a significant milestone for us. We are confident that by making these safety kits easily accessible to all vehicles owners, both private, state and Federal Government.
“We can make a substantial impact on protecting lives and enhancing the overall safety kit consist of essential items.
“The items are reflective vests, traffic cones, safety helmet and warning triangles to increase visibility and alert other drivers in case of breakdown of accidents.
“First aid supplies, including bandage, antiseptics and wound dressing items to provide immediate care in case of injury.”
He emphasised that the primary mission of the association was to ensure the safety and well-being of its community members.
“This is in line with the United Nations and government policies in prevention and taking care of accident victims.
“The safety kits will be available in all our branches across the state, local as well as our chapels at a cheaper and affordable price.”
In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer, West Africa Automobile Services Ltd., Ahmed Hafez said that safely was not a privilege but fundamental rights.
“Every individual boarding a vehicle should have the assurance that their journey will be safe.
“Our cooperation with RTEAN marked a significant strive toward ensuring the safety of their 16 million members spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Malam Ahmed Habib commended the association for the initiative.
“I want to behalf of NEMA commend the organizers of this safety initiative. I look at you from the disaster management point of view as being very proactive.
”Some injuries are preventable during accidents if we used the right safety kits. This initiative will go a long way to reduce the severity of injuries and death arising from road crashes accidents,” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, stressed the need for every motorist to have automobile safety kits.
Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ahmed Alhassan, Egbetokun said: ” We will partner with the association to ensure that every motorist have safety kits.
”We will deepen partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to ensure that every motorist maintain this safety kits.” (NAN)