LAGOS- The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Apapa Unit Command, has urged motorists to avoid unrealistic year-end targets to avoid unnecessary pressure.
The Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander Kaleson Makanto, gave the advice on Thursday at a one-day sensitisation workshop for drivers and fleet operators in Lagos.
The workshop with the theme: ‘Improving Safety on the Roads,’ was organised by the FRSC in conjunction with the Amuwo Odofin Local Government.
Makanto noted that as the year was ending, series of activities would lead to high traffic volumes on highways which make drivers reckless on the roads.
He said the desire for quick earnings from multiple return trips and reckless driving would lead to increase in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) with various injuries and fatalities.
“The FRSC and Amuwo Odofin Local Government are concerned over the safety of its natives, residents and road users, hence this gathering as a call for a collective effort to stop this menace.
“Road crashes (or what you call accident) is mostly caused by ‘you and I,” she said.
Makanto said that RTC in the first quarter of 2024 stood at 2,662, indicating a decrease of 2.02 per cent compared with 2,733 in the comparative period of 2023, indicating a decrease of three per cent.
She disclosed that of all crashes, serious cases was the highest in the first quarter with 1,715 compared to fatal and minor cases with 693 and 254 respectively.
“A total of 1,169 males were killed in the first quarter of 2024, accounting for 79.50 per cent of 1,471 persons killed, compared to 302 (20.50 per cent) females killed.
“Also, a total of 6,749 males were injured during the period, indicating 77.90 per cent of 8,659 injured persons compared to 1,910 (22.10 per cent) females injured.
“A total of 3,952 vehicles were involved in road traffic crashes in the first quarter which was lower compared to the previous quarter which recorded 4,195, indicating a decrease of 5.80 per cent,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to be safety conscious by obeying traffic rules and regulations and avoid use of alcohol and drugs while driving.
“Passengers too should by this enlightenment caution their drivers when trying to disobey any traffic rules as such habit can shorten their lives or give a permanent deformation and loss of valuables,” she said.
Mr Valentine Buraimo, the Chairman Amuwo Oshodi Local Government, urged drivers to ensure safety of motorists.
“Loss of lives cannot be replaced and so everything that will ensure the protection of lives and property should be adhered to.
“We must think, dream safety at all times because safety conscious will ensure lives are not lost.
“It is wrong to be receiving and taking a call while driving,” he said.
Also, Mrs Ijeoma Muokeme, Assistant Commander Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Festac Area Command, urged fleet operators to ensure drug test were done on drivers before recruitment.
Muokeme who spoke on the topic ‘Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drug Use,’ stressed the importance of test on drivers to avoid accident.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol has negative effect on the driver, makes one to take risky behaviours,” she said.
Also, the Superintendent Route Commander, FRSC, Anthony Chukwudifu, urged participants to be cautious while driving as the last quarter of the year approaches.
“In this period, people are eager to make money, vehicle movement will be much, so we need to take into consideration the standard of the road while driving and reduce the speed.
“In recent time, while vehicles are being loaded, drivers are by the side getting drunk and this should be checked by their employers,” he said.
Chukwudifu spoke on the topic “Role of Fleet Operators in Reducing RTC (An FRSC concept).
He also urged fleet operators not to compromise standards so as to reduce crashes on the roads.
“Fleet operators should provide adequate welfare for their drivers and ensure the vehicles are in good order.
“If you must drink as a driver, do take water as you need to convey your passengers to their destination,” he said.
Ms Oluwadamilola Ojo, Health Education Officer at the local government, urged the drivers to always ensure that they were in good health before embarking on a journey.
“As field officers, you need to be in good health, do not drink and drive, remember that if anything happens now, there is a replacement waiting to take your position,” Ojo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the highlight of the event was the introduction of the FRSC Mobile App which was launched on Sept. 5 to the participants. (NAN)
