RTC: Nigeria Customs Joins FRSC To Preach Against Use Of ‘Tokunbo’ Tyres
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By OLALEKAN AYENI
In its bid of steming the high rate of Road Traffic Crashes (TRC) arising from the use of bad or substandard tyres, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to condemned the use of second-hand tyres, popularly known as ‘Tokunbo’ tyres in vehicles.
Speaking with NAN on Monday in Ota, Ogun 1 Area Command’s comptroller, James Ojo, stressed the need for Nigerians to refrain from the habit of using ‘Tokunbo’ tyres in vehicles, noting that it is one of the factors responsible for road traffic crashes across the nation.
The comptroller advised the public to buy new tyres rather than fairly used because they would last longer and safer.
Ojo said: “Though everyone understood the current economic situation in the country, but that doesn’t mean people should not do the right thing. We should always consider doing the right or normal thing to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties to road traffic crashes.
“These pneumatic tyres, popularly known as ‘Tokunbo tyres’, are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates.
“In addition, any usage beyond this duration can pose a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy,” he said.
The comptroller reiterated NCS’ commitment to protect local economy and safety on the roads, as well as uphold the integrity of the nation’s borders.
INFORMATION CARRIER, recalls that FRSC has over decades preaching, educating the vehicle owners against the use of ‘fairly used tyres’ because of the risk and danger it pose on highways and society at large.
The leading agency on traffic management, continue by saying records has shown that ‘tokunbo tyres’ had been found to be responsible for majority of road crashes on the highways because they are not durable and cannot withstand pressure. There is tendency for fairly used tyres’ to burst while vehicle is on motion than new tyres that are safer and more durable.
Tyres were manufactured with chemicals that expire after a period of time and when it expires, it’s prone to being punctured easily by sharp objects while vehicle is on motion on the highways. Also expired tyres explodes easily due to the heat on the road as the vehicle is on motion which could cause loss of lives and properties.
Fairly used tyres are cheaper, new tyres may be more expensive but are safer, safety must never be compromised.
FRSC has dig deep in advising motorists to check the air pressure in their tyres whenever they went to a vulcaniser. “Over inflating exposes the side walls of the tyre to be worn out, while under inflating destroys the middle wall of the tyres.”
