The United Nations (UN) says drunk-driving is one of the major causes of road traffic crashes across the world.
Mr Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Geneva made this known at an event organised by the UN and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja on Friday.
He said drunk-driving had resulted in a lot of deaths and injuries especially among young people which affected many Nigerian families.
The executive director said the UN had trained FRSC personnel and the Nigeria Police on the use of breathalizers, a gadget that detects alcohol in a person’s bloodstream.
“We have given breathalizers to reduce the incident of drunk-driving because drunk-driving is one of the major causes of accident.
“We hope with the gadget, there will be more vigorous enforcement by the FRSC on reducing drunk-driving which will make a change in the life of more people,” he said.
Seth, however, commended the corps for its sincere commitment toward reducing road accidents and deaths.
Also speaking, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi said the ministry was partnering with FRSC to ensure safer roads especially during the Christmas period.
He said the rate of accidents was highest in Africa and called for concerted efforts to check the scourge.
On his part, Head, Policy, Research and Statistics Department of FRSC, Christopher Ademoluti, said the breathalizers would be of great help during the yuletide.
“This is the period of festivity where people engage in drinking and driving and we want to stop drinking and driving.
“If you must drink, don’t drive,” he said.
He further said that the breathlizer would improve the operations of the corps in bringing erring motorists especially those who are drunk to book.
