Federal Capital Territory (FCT) National Union of Transport Road workers (NURTW) Vice Chairman, Mr Yusuf Alabi has blamed private motorists for most road accidents in the territory.

Alabi who made this allegation in an interview today in Abuja, said drivers of commercial vehicles were more responsible and professional on the highways because of their training and the checks on them by various unions such as the NURTW.

The vice chairman who doubles as the Chairman, Nyanya Intercontinental Motor Park said the union was a professional group, adding that regular workshops were often organised to sensitise the drivers. “We also do not allow sales of alcohol and illegal drugs within the park and we regularly partner with NDLEA, FRSC, VIO and EFCC to organise workshop for our drivers. We organise seminars for our drivers every two months on dangers of drug abuse, speeding and on the importance of driver’s licence,’’ he said.

Mr Monday Ijeh, a private motorist in the FCT, however, disagreed with the notion that most accidents in the area were caused by private motorists, insisting that most commercial drivers are reckless. “If you trace the history of road accidents, they are due to speeding, influence of alcohol and illicit drug consumption which is rampant among commercial drivers. The reason why they speed is because they want to make multiple trips within a short period,” Ijeh said.

Mr Edward Ojiah, another private motorist, said that poor driving skills and carelessness on the part of commercial drivers were the major causes of road accidents. “On my way to work today, I saw four commercial vehicles trying to pick same passengers. They drove roughly and ended up hitting each other’s vehicle, causing commotion among other drivers using the same route. As a private motorist, I spend less time on the road as I go to work and return to my house. But commercial drivers use the road always.’’

Ojiah, however, urged the union to look thoroughly into these challenges and address them with immediate effect “so as not to keep risking the lives of commuters and putting the blame on private motorists.’’