As a way of avoiding road accidents, drivers in the country have been advised that instead of getting addicted to psychotropic substances like kola nuts, bitter kola, cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana, they should embrace regular rests, including stop-over rest, whenever they are on long journeys. This was one of the highlights of the communiqué issued at the end of a two-day training workshop for the University of Ilorin drivers.

The workshop, organised by the University of Ilorin Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) in conjunction with the Works Department, drew resource persons from various government agencies like the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as well as relevant staff of the University.

According to the communiqué, a copy of which was made available to Unilorin Bulletin last Wednesday (July 22, 2015), the Resource Person from the FRSC, Mr. John Friday, recommended that drivers must rest for at least 15-minutes after every four-hour non-stop driving in order to avoid stress-related accidents. Also, Mr. Olawuyi Friday of the NDLEA stressed the need for drivers to keep off illicit substances such as marijuana, alcohol, and cigarettes and effectively control the intake of any of the psychotropic substances like kolanut and bitter kola. The Communiqué jointly signed by the Director of Works, University of Ilorin, Engr. S.A. Sanni and the Director, CREDIT, Prof (Mrs.) A. T. Oladiji, further stated that the Workshop also stressed the need for proper maintenance of university vehicles, timely renewal of their particulars and strict adherence to good behaviour at all times.

Noting that the renewal of official vehicle particulars is often delayed or outrightly ignored by most users, the Workshop suggested that vehicle renewal could be centralized and the Works Department made to handle it.

The Workshop resolved that drivers should report renewal needs at least two months prior to expiry date to enable users source and provide funds for the renewal. Drivers were also mandated to ensure that their valid driving licenses are on them each time they go on assignments.

The Workshop further observed that drivers don't maintain official vehicles properly. It, therefore, mandated all users of the University vehicles to liaise with the Works Department regularly for proper assessment, monitoring and maintenance counsel.