The Operations Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Abeokuta Field Office, Muinat Bello – Zagi has said that the rate at which petrol tankers crash have become alarming in Ogun State, as it has resulted in the loss of economic and human resources.

Bello-Zagi made this known during the maiden edition of ‘Safety Awareness For Tanker Drivers’ programme, organised by the Department of Petroleum Resources,  Abeokuta field office.

Gathered at this hall include petrol tanker drivers,  security agencies and other key stakeholders, with the aim of addressing petrol tanker crashes.

Speaking to newsmen, DPR Abeokuta Operations Controller, Muinat Bello-Zagi expressed worry that despite the measures taken by the DPR to nip the incidences in the bud, 15 cases were recorded in the last four months.

She blamed the crashes on carelessness, poor vehicle maintenance, bad roads, driving under substance influence and lack of training.

On his part,  the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Clement Oladele said out of 904 crashes recorded in Ogun in the last 18 months, 390 of it were caused by tankers and articulated vehicles.

He identified lane indiscipline, speeding, overloading and lack of obedience to traffic rules as causes of the crashes.

The Operations controller explained that the awareness programme, which took place at Mosimi and Ogere, was part of the measures put in place by the DPR to curb accidents.

The Controller, however, advocated for a second driver for each trip, regular eye test by drivers and obedience to traffic rules and regulations in order to stem incidences of accidents. 

The Chairman,  Petrol Tanker Drivers at Mosimi Depot, Ganiyu Adurogangan applauded the DPR for the awareness programme, but asked the government to fix deplorable roads, which according to him are responsible for incessant crashes