FRSC marks African road safety day with sensitisation of motorists in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom Command marked the 2022 African Road Safety Day with sensitisation of drivers and motorists on safety as the yuletide is fast approaching.

The Akwa Ibom Sector Commander, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, who led the sensitisation campaign to Ikot Oku Ikono motor park in Uyo on Wednesday said it was to commemorate African Road Safety Day and the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Crashes.

He said this during a sensitisation campaign for drivers and motorists at Ikot Oku Ikono motor park in Uyo on Wednesday to commemorate African Road Safety Day and the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Crash.

Olonisaye, who was represented by Mr Philip Ebowemen, Deputy Corps Commander and Head of Operations in the command disclosed that the command recorded 94 crashes and 244 casualties in this year while in 2021, recorded 75 road crashes and 140 casualties.

He attributed the increase to speeding and called on drivers to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid crashes.

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

Olonisaye said that the activities were expected to create awareness of what constitutes safe practices while using and or sharing the roads with others.

“We are remembering our brothers and sisters that lost their lives through road crashes. We are sensitising you on road safety so that all of us will drive and stay alive next year.

“As you are remembering them, please support their families and drive with care to stay alive. While driving act carefully, drive carefully, so there will be space for everyone to share the road.

“As the theme of this year is; “Justice” and the slogan “Remember, Support, Act” means we have to remember our brothers and sisters that are dead and support the programme so that we too will not be victims of a road crash.

“Obey all traffic rules and regulations and don’t go above the speed limit to avoid road crashes.

“Let’s look at the analysis of accidents between Nov. 2020 to Nov. 2021, number of crashes 75, and number of deaths, 140. This year from Jan. To Nov. 15, the number of crashes was 94 and the number of deaths was 244.

“You will discover that this year is higher than last year. The increase is attributed to speeding. So, for God’s sake, don’t drive above the speed limit, so you can control your vehicle in case of an accident.

“Therefore, I call on all and sundry to join in this sensitisation campaign to instil the culture of safety consciousness in all road users, ” Olonisaye said.

The sector commander urged road users, especially drivers to think safety and act safely as the yuletide season was drawing near.

He urged drivers to ensure that they keep their vehicles in road-worthy condition, use good quality tyres, avoid overloading, night trips, use of alcohol and excessive speed, stressing that speed kills.

“We must embrace discipline and commit ourselves to the cause of crash prevention and loss reduction on the road by ensuring discipline through courtesy to other road users and obedience to traffic rules and regulations,” he said.

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.

Olonisaye 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.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikot Oku Ikono motor park, Mr Alfred Akpan, thanked the FRSC for the sensitisation campaign and pledged that the park management will continue to ensure drivers obey traffic rules and regulations.