COVID-19: Avoid car A/C now, DRTS warns motorists

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Directorate of Roads Traffic Services (DRTS) also called  Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) has advised motorist to avoid the use of car air condition especially this era of the much dreaded  coronavirus pandemic.

The Head, Public Relations, DRTS, Federal  Capital  Territory ( FCT), Abuja Directorate, Kalu Emetu stated that the advise becomes necessary going by the information in the public  domain which indicates that the virus doesn’t strive in a hot weather atmosphere.

He warned drivers to  comply to the new rule of having only but three passengers in their cars, two at the back and one at the front, as well as making available hand sanitizer in their cars.

The new directives given by the federal government on mode of vehicular movements on the road starts Saturday.

The new directive is in line with the federal government’s directive in the week, when it aired to the public, the need  not to carry more than three passengers in the vehicles.

“We  advice motorists to minimize their use of air conditioner in cars this period.we were told that the coronavirus does not last in a hot environment.

“Our men will be on ground and any driver carrying more than 2 persons behind, will be forced to drop one person”, he stated.

“And if we discover that the person has paid his/her transport fare, the person’s money will be refunded immediately.

“We all know the virus that is ravaging the world. One of the ways to correct it is to ensure social distancing that’s why we are talking about spacing.”

Emetu went further to say, “We discovered that a lot of motorists are yet to comply with the directive. That’s why we are here to sensitise and demonstrate what World Health Organisation (WHO) and NCDC have been advising.”

He reminded all that the task of taming this novel global pandemic is a fight that must be fought collectively and with all vigour.