The Federal Road Safety Commission said yesterday in Abuja that motorists who drive under the influence of intoxicating drug or alcohol will get a two-year jail sentence.
The Federal Capital Territory FRSC, Sector Commandant, Nseobong Akpabio who stated this during a campaign against drunk driving, said driving under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicant above 0.5 grams is a serious offence that will attract two years jail term.
He said, "In line with Section 22 of FRSC (Establishment) Act 2007, a person who drives a motor vehicle on a highway under the influence of intoxicating drug or alcohol above 0.5 grams per litre of alcohol or to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of such vehicle, shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine of five thousand Naira or to imprisonment to a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment."
He said alcohol works quickly to slow down the mind of people and motor skills, hence, causing profound effect on reaction time as well as lead to poor coordination. He said the effect of alcohol can also cause impaired vision and hearing, poor judgement and false sense of confidence.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), FCT Branch, Ugwu Henry Ejiofor, said selling liquor in motor parks makes drivers more vulnerable to excessive drinking habit. He said the FRSC in conjunction with other law enforcement agents would stop the selling of alcoholic drinks and intoxicants at motor parks
