FRSC CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO PREVENT ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES THAT USUALLY CLAIM ABOUT 1.2M LIVES 19-11-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has called for collective action to prevent Road Traffic Crashes that usually claim lives of about 1.2 million people annually worldwide.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed who made the call at a media conference commemorating the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for RTCs victims in Abuja said inspite of advancement in civilisation, Road Traffic Deaths remain high, with low-income countries accounting for over 90 per cent of these deaths .
The FRSC Corps Marshal stressed the need for members of the public to always show concern for road accident victims and their families.
The FRSC Corps Marshal maintained that the World Health Organisation’s record shows that road traffic injuries cause significant economic losses and were a leading killer of people aged between 5-29 years.
He, however, assured the public that FRSC would continue to work with stakeholders to enforce traffic rules and regulations.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed also called on the public to caution erring drivers when necessary as road traffic crashes kill more passengers than drivers.
In a message, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, called for full enforcement of road worthiness before vehicles can be allowed to ply the roads.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Abuja, Mr Benedict Igwe, the Inspector General advised FRSC to join the campaign against night travels adding that it was mainly the cause of accidents where there would be no immediate assistance or help for victims .
Also, the coordinator of a Non Governmental Organization, Dr Yusuf Suberu, said the organization would always advocate for the right policies for effective traffic management in Nigeria.
In her goodwill message, President, Road safety Officers Wives Association, Dr Nafisat Shehu Mohammed said that traffic offences should be scrutinised.
According to Dr. Nafisat, the public, needed to know that lives were sacred, hence, safety should be encouraged at all cost.
“Our support goes to those who have lost their loved ones, families, those who sustained injuries, among others.”
The high point of the programme was the laying of wreaths by stakeholders led by the Corp Marshal Mallam Shehu, members of the National Youth Service Corps, students, among others in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Road accidents.