A’Ibom records 72 road crashes, 16 deaths in 10 months – FRSC

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday said the command recorded 72 road crashes and 16 deaths in Akwa Ibom State from January to October.

The state Sector Commander, Mr Oga Ochi, said this in his remarks during the commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Crashes in Uyo on Friday.

He disclosed that during the period, about 93 persons were injured in the 72 crashes in the state.

Ochi added that the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Crashes was set aside by the United Nations on every third Sunday of November to remember millions of lives lost or hurt in road traffic crashes.

He noted that the activities were expected to highlight measures being taken by national governments, nongovernmental organisations and religious bodies, communities against the menace of road traffic crashes.

“It is good to note that from January to October 2020, the state recorded a total of 72 road crashes, 16 fatalities and 93 persons injured.

“This figure even though low when compared to other States of the federation cannot be acceptable norm. All hands must be on deck to enable us record zero road traffic crashes in the state,” Ochi said.

The sector commander assured Akwa Ibom people that the FRSC would continue to work with strategic stakeholders to pursue public enlightenment programmes and aggressive enforcement of traffic rules to serve as deterrent to traffic violators.

He said that the corps would join relevant stakeholders to create the necessary awareness in the weeklong activities to address the challenges of road crashes and measures ensure safety on the road.

Ochi urged members of the public to remember the plight that victims of road traffic crashes, their families, friends and loved ones suffer by avoiding infractions that undermine their safety.

The sector commander advocated for better support for road traffic victims and victim families and promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road deaths and injuries.

He called on members of the public to pay special attention to their personal safety while driving to avoid road crashes.

Our Correspondents reports that the theme for 2020 World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Crashes is, “Remember, Support, Act.”

Goodwill messages were received from, Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister security agencies operating in the state.