8th February, 2012
The Ijebu-Ode Command of the FRSC on Tuesday said 138 auto-accidents were recorded on the Ijebu-Ode-Ore-Benin Expressway in 2011.
Mr. Yakubu Anto, the Unit Commander of the FRSC, also told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, that 1,267 persons were involved in the accidents during the period.
Anto said that out of the total number of persons involved, 70 died while 483 sustained various degrees of injuries.
“This is indeed a colossal waste. It is not the best but it happens due to the careless attitude of motorists on the highways.
“Road crashes are due to three major factors; human, environmental and weather, but the principal cause is human factor.
“Prayers alone cannot stop road crashes but rather people must assist themselves by being careful while driving on the high ways,” he said.
Anto, who attributed most of the accidents to reckless driving and speed violation, said many drivers were often in a haste.
“We all know that most of our roads are not good and still motorists are not using common sense to drive.
“Life does not have duplicate, this we often tell motorists plying the highways in our campaign.
“ Once it is gone, it is gone, you cannot get another one. People should therefore exercise caution while driving,” he said.
Anto, who noted that March had the highest number of accidents on the route, said 216 vehicles were involved..
He also said 124 vehicles involved in the accidents were commercial while 85 were private, in addition to seven motorcycles.
The FRSC boss, however, said no government vehicle was involved in any of the accidents.
Anto pledged that the commission would continue to ensure road safety in order to minimise accidents on the highways.