6th November, 2024
By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has said no fewer than 79 lives were lost in 181 road accidents between August and October 2024 in Ogun state.
FRSC Ogun Sector Command,Corps Commander Akinwumi Oladapo Fasakin revealed this while speaking on behalf of the Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed during a press conference held in Abeoluta to kick start the 2024 Ember months road Campaign.
Speaking on the theme of the campaign “Speak up against more dangerous driving:Crashes kills more passenger than driver” Fasakin revealed that not less than 181 road traffic accidents occurred in Ogun State involving 472 people out of which a total of 79 were killed and 393 injured between August and October 2024.
He noted that in the same month, a total number of 928 people were arrested for various offences.
He said attempts by drivers to cover more trips in a day through excessive speeding, refusal to rest, use of intoxicants as well as attempts by private vehicle owners to manage unsafe, deficient vehicles for their journeys are some of the causes of road traffic crashes during the Ember months.
He urged passengers to take a more active role in road safety.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted the alarming rate of road accidents in Nigeria, particularly during the festive season. He emphasized the reckless behavior of some motorists as a major contributing factor.
He added that to tackle the problem issue, FRSC introduced several measures, including: Intensified Public Awareness Campaigns, Mega town hall meetings, motorcades.
The FRSC commander added that transit advocacy programs will be conducted nationwide for empowerment of passengers among others during the Ember months campaign.
He said the Corps will also educate passengers about their rights and encourage them to speak up against reckless driving.
He also noted that strict Enforcement measures will be implemented to deter traffic violations.
The FRSC also urged passengers to be vigilant and report any instances of reckless driving to the authorities.
“By working together, the Corps and the public can significantly reduce road accidents and create safer roads for all”, he said.
