FRSC warns against excessive speed as accidents kill 5,081 people

FRSC warns against excessive speed as accidents kill 5,081 people

 

A total of 5,081 people were killed in road accidents in 2023 nationwide, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has said.

Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, disclosed this on Monday, in Abuja, during a media briefing and warned motorists against excessive speed

Although figure shows a 21 per cent reduction compared to 6,456 that died in road crashes in 2022, the FRSC boss said that the accident rate and the attendant fatalities were unacceptably high.

The press briefing was called to mark the end of the corps’ Operation Zero Tolerance conducted nationwide.

Biu said the adoption of a comprehensive approach by the corps led to the 21 per cent reduction in the crashes.

According to him, from January to December 2023, the corps ensured upward mobility in the mobilisation of human and material resources to achieve maximum impact.

He said, “On annual performance, from January to December 2023, the Corps recorded a tremendous reduction in road crashes, fatalities, as well as injuries when compared to the data obtained in 2022.

“From January 1 to December 31, 2023, a total of 10,617 RTCs were recorded across the country. This figure is against 13,656 of 2022 which represents a 22% decrease.

“Also, 2023 records reveal that 5,081 people were killed against 6,456 in 2022 representing 21% reduction, while 31,874 victims got injured in 2023, against 38,930 in the year 2022 signifying 18.1% decrease”.

He also stated, ”These crashes and fatalities in 2023 are not acceptable, because the worrisome situation and the ugly trend must be reversed in 2024 and beyond.

“That is why this year, travellers must avoid excessive speed, overloading as much as possible and steer clear of night trips due to the perennial dangers that come with it.

“These are poor visibility, excessive speed, fatigue and other unhealthy driving behaviours that are associated with driving during the dark hours on Nigerian roads.

“Travelling at night is a risk factor to all road users, and this must be totally avoided to save lives.”

On enforcement of traffic offences, he said 1,159 motorists were convicted in 93 special mobile court sessions conducted across the country.

“Out of these sessions, 1,303 traffic offenders were arraigned, 1,159 convicted, and 144 discharged and acquitted,” Biu said.