OWERRI – Mr Yusuf Salami, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Imo, on Friday, said a total of 186 road traffic crashes involving 328 vehicles were recorded in the state since January.
The sector commander made the disclosure at a news conference in Owerri on activities slated for the commemoration of the 2014 African Road Safety/Remembrance Day of Road Traffic Crashes/Victims, with the theme “Speed Kills, Design Out Speeding.’’
Salami said 92 persons died and 534 others got injured in the different road crashes that occurred during the period under review.
He said that the figure was an improvement over last year’s because of increased public enlightenment, patrol and continued consultation with stakeholders on the need to reduce the rate of accidents in the state.
The sector commander added that speeding had been identified as one of the main causes of road accidents and the FRSC had concluded plans to ensure compulsory installation of speed equipment in all vehicles with effect from June 2015.
He appealed to motorists to always adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations while driving,
noting that the prescribed maximum speed limit of 100klm per hour should be respected.
He said “common sense should tell drivers that the speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour should be strictly adhered to; you should further reduce your speed when it rains because of poor visibility.’’
Salami said speed control would be given top priority during the Christmas and New Year celebration and appealed to residents in the state not to obstruct the free flow of traffic with their celebrations.
He announced that the FRSC would address a joint meeting of traditional rulers in the three senatorial zones of the state of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe, on the need to prevail on their subjects not to obstruct movement of vehicles during the yuletide.
A monitoring mechanism at both the zonal and unit levels had been installed to check the excesses of staff of the commission while on duty he said, and advised aggrieved motorists to dial 122 to seek possible redress.
He listed activities slated for the commemoration of the 2014 African Road Safety/Remembrance Day to include road walks, public enlightenment at the Mosque, with prayers for the souls of victims of fatal road accidents, visits to hospitalised accident victims and candlelight processions. (NAN)
