Commission says 223 lives have been lost to accidents in 2016

November 18, 2016 12:11 AM

FRSC has reported 223 deaths in 325 accidents between January and October this year.

FRSC at an accident scene (Illustration)

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed that 223 people have been killed in 325 road traffic accidents in Ogun state between January and October 2016.

The Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun, Mr Clement Oladele, made the disclosure at a news conference organised to commemorate the 2016 United Nations Road Traffic Crash Victims Remembrance Day, which took place on Thursday, November 17, in Abeokuta.

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Punch reports that theme for the 2016 celebration is “Vital Post-Crash Actions: Medical Care, Investigation and Justice”.

According to the sector commander, over 1,143 persons were injured during the period.

Oladele said that most of the accidents were as a result of excessive speed, which could have been avoided.

“The corps, as part of its strategic goals, is poised to reduce road crashes by 15 per cent and fatalities by 25 per cent.

“The command will continue in its effort to prevent road crashes and achieve a significant reduction by the end of the year.

“We enjoin motorists to shun over speeding, be more careful, check their tyres and avoid violating traffic laws,” he said.

Oladele went on to state that the FRSC has enhanced its rescue capabilities by providing additional ambulances to its fleet of vehicles.

He said that the rate of crashes witnessed in the country has brought about the need for speed limiters by the corps.

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“The prominence of speed among the causes of crashes on Nigerian roads prompted the corps to introduce speed limiters to commercial vehicle operators.

“As from February 1, 2017, the corps shall begin the full enforcement of speed limiting device on commercial vehicle operators, wherein violators shall be arrested and prosecuted.

“From October 1 till date, a total of 4, 976 commercial vehicles have been stopped and checked in Ogun to see if they have speed limiter or not, he said.

Oladele also said, as part of activities marking the celebration, there would be a visitation of road crash victims at Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta and a candlelight procession on Saturday, November 19.