- The Federal Road Safety Corps aims for zero road accident deaths in Nigeria by 2030, emphasizing education on speeding dangers
- Human factors cause 90% of road crashes, with speeding identified as the leading cause of fatal accidents on Nigerian roads
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is confident that by 2030, there will be zero deaths resulting from road accidents in Nigeria.
On Thursday, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made this statement during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, themed “Stakeholders Engagement: A Critical Component for Safer Lives.”
Represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Yusuf Haruna Mcilt, Mohammed highlighted that human factors cause 90% of road crashes, while the remaining 10% are due to mechanical faults or other issues. He identified speeding as the leading cause of fatal accidents on Nigerian roads.
“It is our hope that by 2030, even though road crashes may still occur, there will be zero deaths,” he said. “We will continue to educate people on the dangers of speeding. Any accident that results in death involves speeding.”
He further explained, “When a driver travels between 20 to 50 kilometers per hour, even if they collide with something, the damage may be limited to the vehicle, and passengers are less likely to be harmed.
However, driving at speeds over 80 to 100 kilometers per hour can lead to severe consequences, and it is usually the impact from such speeds that causes fatalities.”
Mohammed emphasized the importance of adhering to road safety rules to prevent tragedies, referencing a recent tanker accident in Jigawa State. Although no lives were lost initially, an explosion occurred when people started scooping fuel from the fallen tanker.
He reminded citizens to stay at least 200 meters from fallen tankers, especially when loaded with fuel.
Benue State’s FRSC Sector Commander, Steve Ayodele, explained that the corps had changed its strategies this year to include town hall meetings. This initiative aims to raise awareness and share ideas to address potential challenges.
He said, “The meeting marks the first of its kind to conclude the year-end grand patrol operation, with activities like public education campaigns, free vehicle checks, traffic counts, mobile court sittings, and enforcement activities.”
The FRSC remains committed to promoting road safety and reducing fatalities from road crashes.
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