The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute has commenced the phased training of about 300 truck drivers registered as members under the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) across the state as one of the measures to improve sanity on Lagos roads.
In her address at the training exercise for the first batch of 50 trainees, the General Manager of Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu said the programme was in compliance with the state government’s directives aimed at curbing the unabated road crashes and carnage on Lagos roads.
She explained that the training and recertification of the truck drivers are very vital, considering their role in economic development and importance to the Traffic Management and Transportation Pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Lagos State.
The General Manager, however, noted with dismay the high number of articulated vehicle accidents on the roads, which further prompted the Institute to develop a special curriculum to address the menace through the training of truck drivers on the necessary precautions essential to reduce or eradicate the carnage on Lagos roads.
She urged the drivers to view the programme as an opportunity presented by the Lagos State Government to update and re-sharpen their driving skills, and to also learn innovative ways of driving their trucks, especially when plying busy roads.
While advising the participants to always consider safety first, Tiamiyu reiterated that the importance of “driving the truck from Point A with the content of the containers and carrying it safely to Point B without spilling it on the road” to cause unanticipated accidents, impediments and economic loss.
She emphasised the importance of ensuring proper switch locking of the containers on trucks as well as regular maintenance of the vehicles for optimum performance.
In his response on behalf of the Group, the Coordinator of AMATO, Mr. Henry Dike, commended the state government’s initiative to improve and update their knowledge, adding that majority of the drivers had never attended any driving school or obtained any formal training on driving.
He pledged the association’s support, willingness and continuous compliance with the State’s traffic laws and directives designed to improve their driving skills while fostering good relationships with other road users and the general public at large.
