Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Two persons have died and 10 others injured in a road crash that occurred along Ikot Abasi Road by Oku-Abak in Akwa Ibom State.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Matthew Olonisaye, confirmed the fatal road crash that happened on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
Olonisaye in a statement in Uyo on Monday, August 15, 2022, said the road crash involved Toyota Hiace bus (KMR 201 XA) belonging to a transport company and Honda Accord car (NGD 228 AE).
He urged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles were in order before they put them on the road to avoid road crashes, especially during the rainy season.
He said: “On Sunday 14th August 2022, at about 2010hrs, a fatal crash occurred along Abak – Ikot Abasi Road by Oku – Abak.
“It was discovered that the Crash involved two Vehicles – Toyota Hiace bus (KMR 201 XA) belonging to a transport company and Honda Accord car (NGD 228 AE) all with 18 occupants, out of which, 10 got injured while two died in the process.
“Upon the arrival of FRSC rescue team, at the crash scene having received a report of the incident, which resulted from dangerous overtaking and eventual loss of control.
“According to an eye witness, the victims were immediately taken to a nearby clinic, while the road was cleared of obstructions to enable free-flow of traffic.”
Olonisaye described the road crash as rather unfortunate as it could have been avoided if only the drivers were conscious and sensitive enough to understand the intricate nature of night driving, especially during this rainy season.
The sector commander expressed displeasure that in spite of the sensitisation and enlightenment by the FRSC the motoring public was still adamant about obeying traffic rules and regulations.
He urged the motoring public to desist from acts capable of endangering the lives and property of other road users.
He urged drivers to be more careful when travelling during the rainy season, on night travels and on roads not well known to avoid road crashes.
“Compliance with traffic rules and regulations should be of utmost importance to the motoring public. Motorists are advised to avoid speed, using phones while driving, and driving against the flow of traffic.
“Night time driving; lower beams and keep your headlamps properly adjusted/focused, avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming vehicles, and slow down when facing glare from headlights.
“Driving in the Rain; reduce speed to enhance firm control, increase following distance, Keep headlamps on so as to see and be seen, and use wipers, heater or AC as appropriate.
“Driving on a busy road, be careful to obey speed limits, and be alert to pedestrians stepping into traffic. Driving under sun glare; reduce speed for better vision and reaction, use sun visors or sunglasses if necessary.
“Driving in unfamiliar or on bad roads; be alert to traffic signs, signals and markings communicating certain road characteristics/features, obey applicable speed limits, reduce speed or apply common sense speed limit,” he advised.
He advised motorists to ensure the lightning systems of their vehicles are functioning effectively as the raining season makes driving more demanding, especially at night when visibility is poor, and those with vision challenges, should not embark on night travels.
The sector commander, while commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives in the crash, wished the injured quick recovery.