By Mercy Adi
In a bid to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents and fatalities caused by heavy-duty vehicles, Senator Ned Nwoko has introduced a bill to ban the daytime movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers nationwide.
According to Senator Nwoko, the bill, which was introduced during plenary on Tuesday, February 11, seeks to restrict the operations of heavy-duty vehicles to between 12 midnight and 6:00 am, except in emergencies.
“Heavy-duty vehicles are a persistent menace on our roads. Between 2015 and 2018, these vehicles were linked to 3,200 fatalities and over ₦39 billion in economic losses in Nigeria alone,” Senator Nwoko said.
“How many more tragedies must we endure before action is taken? We cannot keep losing lives to preventable crashes,” he added.
The bill also proposes the establishment of Truck Transit Parks, dedicated rest areas where truck drivers can park safely, get adequate rest, and continue their journey without parking indiscriminately on highways.
Senator Nwoko explained that these facilities will help prevent reckless driving caused by fatigue and reduce road obstructions that often lead to accidents.
“It’s time to support measures that protect our communities and save lives. It’s time to support this bill and ensure safer roads for all Niger
ians,” he said.