FRSC records 82 road crashes, warns drivers against speeding

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 82 road crashes in Akwa Ibom Command in 2021 as against 93 recorded in 2020.

The FRSC Sector Commander in the State, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Sunday.

The sector commander warned drivers against speeding as most of the causative factors to the crashes experienced were speed-related.

He reminded drivers, motorists, and all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility, adding that the command would not condone any disobedience to traffic safety regulations.

“While evaluating the activities of the past year and how the Corps faired in the state with respect to traffic safety, it was discovered that most of the causative factors to the crashes experienced were speed-related.

“Though management of speed had remained one of the biggest challenges facing road safety practitioners nationwide, it calls for a concerted response and effort. 

“However, drivers must realize the dangers associated with speeding which include losing control of the Vehicle, Reducing the driver’s reaction time.

“Reducing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s occupant-protection features, Increasing the amount of distance needed to safely stop a vehicle, Increasing the severity of an auto crash and the resulting damage and injuries.

“Increase fatality among others. On this premise, the Corps warned motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators against flouting the law on the use of speed limiting devices in their vehicles.

“Comparatively, a total number of 82 road crashes were recorded in 2021 as against 93 recorded in 2020 in the state.

“Speed related issues, Tyre bust, Brake failure, Wrongful overtaking and Dangerous driving were the major causative factors of the crashes experienced during the past year,” Olonisaye said.

The sector Commander urged drivers to include safe driving culture as part of their new year resolutions to reduce crashes on the road.

He advised drivers to ensure they obtain or renew their driver’s licence, vehicles documents and adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

Olonisaye acknowledges the efforts of stakeholders that joined road safety campaigns during the festive periods to make the roads safer.

The sector commander also commended some drivers, who conducted themselves well by obeying road safety rules and regulations during the festive period, adding that there made the rate of fatalities of road crashes manageable.

He cautioned drivers and all road users to strive to protect and safeguard their lives, especially while using the road.

“The conduct of some drivers during the Christmas and new year celebrations which made the rate and fatalities of road traffic crash manageable is also commendable.

“Of course, road safety remained a shared responsibility which no single organisation could tackle all alone without support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders.

“As a matter of necessity, we must strive to protect and safeguard our lives especially while using the roads, realizing that our family members, friends and well-wishers eagerly wait to receive and welcome us back home alive,” he said.

He urged drivers and passengers to ensure that they stay safe and take precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.