Excess speed, phone use, are responsible for road crashes – FRSC

Etim Ekpimah

Excess speed, use of mobile phones while driving, and driving with worn-out tyres are top causes of road crashes in Nigeria.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ochi Oga, said this during an interview with journalists in Uyo on Monday.

According to him, the two major accidents which occurred between September 1 and October 8 in the state, which claimed two lives, were traceable to excess speed, making or answering calls while driving and driving with worn-out-tyres.

He added that despite the corps’ warning against the above factors, investigation showed that some motorists in Akwa Ibom still indulge in over speeding and the use of mobile phones while driving.

“Over speeding, non-usage of seat belt, drunkenness and use of mobile phones while driving are the major causes of crashes.

“Some of these factors can lead to loss of concentration, we have had two deaths since the beginning of the Ember Months, we must thank God for his mercies.” he said.

The sector commander urged drivers in the state to desist from unhealthy road practices capable of causing crashes.

Speaking on the Ember Months preparation, Oga said the command had undertaken a comprehensive audit of bad spots on major roads across the state.

“We identified the defects on the roads, noted high traffic concentration and high-density areas in the state, these indices will help our operations.

“We have forwarded the findings of this audit exercise to the appropriate quarters for actions, our objective is to ensure safety on the roads.

“As the year is winding up, the FRSC in Akwa Ibom has done a lot to ensure safety, especially as the roads will become busier,” he said.

He said that roads linking Akwa Ibom to other states such as the Ikot Ekpene – Itu – Calabar roads would be adequately manned during the period to ensure safety of road users.

Oga further said that the command would sustain its sensitization campaigns in motor parks across the state to deepen road safety awareness among passengers and drivers.

“We shall take this campaign to other sectors to ensure mass awareness, members of the public need to understand the dangers in rushing, overloading, over speeding and other unhealthy practices,” he said.

The sector commander urged motorists and transport company owners to support the fight against Coronavirus by adhering to established hygiene protocols.

“They are also warned not to exceed 50 per cent of their vehicle’s passenger capacity, those found contravening this rule will be apprehended,” he said.