TheNewsGuru

Tag: FRSC

  • How road accidents claimed 75 lives in Lagos in 8 months

    How road accidents claimed 75 lives in Lagos in 8 months

    The Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Sector Command says it recorded 353 road traffic crashes which claimed 79 lives in the state between January and August 2023.

    The FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Babatunde Farinloye, disclosed this during the flag-off of the 2023 Ember Months Campaign, which was jointly organised by the command and Guinness Nigeria Plc on Thursday.

    The theme of the campaign is: “Speed Thrills but Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading.”

    Farinloye said that 603 others sustained different degrees of injury, some with permanent disabilities in the same period under review.

    The sector commander attributed road accidents that occurred to speeding, excessive load and operational irresponsibility, saying that these underlined the abuse of the roads, the vehicles and rights of other road users.

    He noted that speed had been identified globally as a causal or aggravating element in almost 96 per cent of road traffic crashes, adding that its dimensions consisted of excessive speed and inappropriate speed.

    Farinloye said that aside from speeding, overloading and irresponsibility, statistics also indicated the potential for high rate of driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, as well as fatigue driving during the festive period.

    The sector commander said that just a few days ago, around 0045Hrs in the morning, a crash between a luxury bus and a truck making a U-Turn at Kara end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway led to the death of four passengers.

    “These incidents constitute huge human capacity loss and high level of trauma, social cost and other consequences that may change the course of several destinies.

    “This is the essence of our continuous campaign and interventions. Nobody’s life has to be untimely terminated as an inevitable price for mobility on the roads.

    “Today, therefore, we are flagging-off this campaign to remind ourselves and unequivocally reiterate that crashes are self-destructive occurrences.

    “We (the road users) are the prime causal agents; we are the victims and we must be the solution. And it begins with our individual mindsets and convictions!,” he said.

    The sector commander said this year’s theme was selected to emphasise the three leading safety imperatives on the roads during this period.

    He said that the campaign represented an integral component of the FRSC’s strategic interventions towards elevating the consciousness of Nigerians to the realities of road crashes and its mind-boggling implications on lives and societies.

    Farinloye said that annually, over 1.3 million people died on roads worldwide with about 50 million others sustaining various degrees of injury.

    The sector commander added that developing nations (including Nigeria) accounted for about 91 percent of world road fatalities with nations losing three per cent to five per cent of their annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    He said: “For us at the FRSC Lagos State Sector Command, we shall be deploying the full capacity of the command for a multi-dimensional intervention.

    “This is in the form of enforcement operation, traffic control, public enlightenment and education, point-of-load education and surveillance, strategic advocacy and help-area for emergency response during this festive season.

    “In the most aggressive and efficient way, we shall prosecute our programmes around the identified leading crash causative factors. Our vision for 2023 Operation Zero remains Zero Fatality.”

    Farinloye called every stakeholder, and indeed road user, to support it in the arduous task through exemplary conduct on the road and the propagation of the message of safety across our various constituencies.

    Speaking, ACM Gilbert Igbokwe, the Zonal Commanding Officer Zone 2, said that road traffic menace continually caused colossal trauma on victims, their families and the nation.

    Igbokwe said this was why the command could not afford to be on the fence in taking concrete actions to redress any negative road use aversion such as driving irresponsibly, speeding beyond posted limit or overloading.

    He appealed to motorists to take urgent steps in promoting safe road use to engender good health, economic growth and development in the state.

    The zonal commander also urged the Ministry of Transportation to support the campaign in the quest to rid the road of carnages to the benefits of mankind.

    Also, the Managing Director of Guinness, Mr John Masunga, urged consumers, motorists and the public to make a personal commitment not to take alcohol while driving.

    Magunda said: “Remember that drivers have responsibility not only to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely, but to ensure that they return home safely to see their families and loved ones.

    “Our aim for this campaign is to promote safety on our roads by fostering a culture of not drinking while driving.

    “We believe that our position as a market leader places a significant responsibility on us to raise awareness about the importance of consuming alcohol in a responsible way.”

    The event had in attendance representatives from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Fire Service, Nigeria Army, Vehicle Inspection Officers and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) among others.

    The event featured free medical check for sugar and blood pressure levels among others.

  • FRSC apprehends 7,524 vehicles in FCT

    FRSC apprehends 7,524 vehicles in FCT

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT command, says it has apprehended 7,524 vehicles in the third quarter of the year for violation of traffic rules and regulations.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Chorrie Muta’a said this during the flag off of 2023 ember months public enlightenment campaign, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Muta’a also said that the command had joined forces with other security agencies to tackle the rising incidences of “one chance” robbery in the territory.

    He said that it was worrisome that despite efforts by FRSC and other law enforcement agencies, cases of road traffic violations have persistent in the FCT.

    The sector commander said there were still a lot of traffic infractions such as overloading of vehicles with goods and passengers, route violations, light sign violation, and number plate violations, among others.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the FRSC in FCT had left no stone unturned in its effort to check traffic infractions in the territory.

    “For instance, out of a total number of 7,524 vehicles apprehended in this quarter so far, a total of 798 number plate violations alone were recorded during this ember months, which is from September to date.

    “This figure shows that a lot of vehicles still operate with vehicular identification issues.

    “In addition, about 227 vehicles were also arrested for similar infractions in a joint collaboration with other security agencies in special operations tagged “OPERATIONS SWEEP FCT CLEAN” within the same period,” he said.

    Muta’a said the ember months campaign was necessary to check such violations as vehicular movement increase.

    “The 2023 rally has been carefully tailored to the FRSC vision of eradicating road traffic crashes and creating a safer motoring environment in Nigeria.

    “Our target, therefore, is to achieve zero death in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promotion of the well-being of all.

    “This we must effectively achieve.The FCT Command shall do everything possible to ensure that residents of the territory are sensitised through all available public enlightenment mediums,” he added.

    The theme for the 2023 Ember Months campaign is ‘Speed Thrills But Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading’.

  • “We are not seeking FG’s permission to bear arms” – FRSC

    “We are not seeking FG’s permission to bear arms” – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday dismissed reports that it was seeking the permission of the Federal Government for its officers to bear arms.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem urged the public to disregard the report.

    “The attention of the FRSC has been drawn to a report that the corps marshal is seeking the permission of the Federal Government for personnel of the corps to bear arms.

    “The erroneous statement credited to the representative of the corps marshal at the passing-out parade of FRSC cadets in Kotangora, Niger, does not reflect the current position of the corps marshal and the management team,’’ Kazeem stated.

  • Insecurity: FRSC seeks FG’s permission to bear firearms

    Insecurity: FRSC seeks FG’s permission to bear firearms

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says there is the need for its personnel to bear firearms in discharging their duties, considering the level of security challenges across the country.

    The Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, made this known on Saturday, while inaugurating 1,762 personnel of the corps who just concluded their four month basic course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger.

    Biu, who was represented by Shehu Zaki, a Deputy Corps Marshal, said that the measure would ensure adequate protection for the personnel who were often attacked in the course of duty by some road users or suspected criminals who take advantage of the security challenges in the country.

    “It is left to the political leaders to arm the FRSC, but what we do know is that the issue of the FRSC bearing arms has been on our status since 1992.

    “What we are still waiting for is for us to be given the go ahead to start using arms.

    “Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us protect ourselves when the need arise,” Biu said.

    He, however, urged the cadets officers, cadet marshal assistants and road marshal assistants to be dedicated to their duties towards bringing glory to the corps and the nation.

    The corps marshal urged the personnel to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty and team spirit in discharging their duties to ensure success.

    Biu said, “As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development in a complex operational environment, where you will soon face reality.

    “It has therefore become imperative that, I sound a very strong caution which is aimed at protecting and preserving your lives in the cause of discharging your duties objectively.

    “You must constantly abide by the regulations which guide the work ethics as you carry out your constitutional roles.

    “Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to yourself, the corps and the nation as a whole.*

    He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt..-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for approving the use of the training facility and also commended the army trainers for their contribution in ensuring a successful exercise.

    Earlier, Mr Yakubu Muhammad, Camp Commander said that among the commissioned personnel were 204 cadet Officers, 402 cadet marshal inspectors and 1,156 road marshal assistants.

    Muhammad said that during the four-month training, the cadets and other trainees were trained in road safety management, physical drill and regimental ethics.

    He also said that the corps recently introduced martial arts into the training to enable its personnel defend themselves in the course of duty when the need arose.

    “This because we have not been authorised to carry firearms, so we should be able to defend ourselves when the need arise,” Muhammad said.

    Also Cadet Chime Martin, General Parade Commander, who spoke on behalf of the commissioned cadets and others, promised to utilise the knowledge acquired to create a safe motoring environment in the country.

     

  • BLACK SUNDAY: 8 people burnt beyond recognition in explosion involving 8 tankers in Delta

    BLACK SUNDAY: 8 people burnt beyond recognition in explosion involving 8 tankers in Delta

    No fewer than eight people were burnt beyond recognition on Sunday on the Ologbo Bridge, Benin/Sapele expressway in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports a truck ladened with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) product, coming from Warri, fell on the highway and spilt the PMS product on the road.

    This led to an explosion that gutted 15 different categories of vehicles, which left seven people injured and eight victims burnt beyond recognition.

    According to a statement by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirming the incident, the victims are all male.

    FRSC Spokesman, Mr Bisi Kazeem, in the statement, disclosed that the fatal crash occurred on October 1 at about 1:00 pm.

    Kazeem disclosed the 15 different categories of vehicles involved in the incident as 1 Toyota Hiace Bus, 2 FORD Buses, 1 Volkswagen Passat Passat, 2 J5 Peugeot buses, 1 Daylong Motorcycle and 8 Tankers.

    “From the report gotten from the FRSC rescue team, a total of 15 people all male adults were involved.

    “Out of this number, seven people got injured, while eight victims were burnt beyond recognition.

    “The truck ladened with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), coming from Warri, Delta State fell on the highway and spilt the PMS product on the road.

    ”This, hereby led to an explosion that gutted the aforementioned number of vehicles and the 15 male victims, “he said.

    Kazeem quoted the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu as calling on fleet operators, especially owners of tankers conveying inflammable products to ensure compliance with minimum safety standards by installing safety valves (Anti spill) in their vehicles.

    This, he said, is to eradicate all incidences of mishap resulting from lack of safety valves in tankers.

    Biu also called on owners and operators of tankers to comply with all safety standards set by the government on operation of that category of vehicle on Nigerian road.

    He directed Commanding Officers to ensure that tankers that do not meet safety standards were not allowed to ply the highways.

  • ‘Ember Month’: FRSC counsels motorists on rules, regulations of driving

    ‘Ember Month’: FRSC counsels motorists on rules, regulations of driving

    The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Delta State Command, advises  motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations to stem crashes on highways during and after the ember months.

    Mr Bassey Eshiet, the Sector Commander of FRSC Delta Command,  gave the advice on Thursday at the flag-off of Ember Months Campaign 2023 entitled: “Speed Thrills, Speed Kills, Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading”.

    According to him, toward the end of every year the volume of traffic increases, coupled with high incidences of road traffic infractions.

    “These infractions include route violation, excessive speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, drunk driving, drivers fatigue and making call while driving.

    “These risk factors result in Road Traffic Crashes with fatalities, and the high vehicular volume due to surge in movement of people results in traffic gridlock, fatigue and sometimes Road Traffic Crash amongst others.

    “The Corps’ determination to check these trends and ensure free flow of traffic culminated in 2023 Ember months road safety campaign prior to the commencement of year 2023 End of year Special Patrol Operation from December  2023 to January 2024.

    “The aim of the campaign is to immensely reduce crashes and to ensure as much as possible the elimination of death from crashes that may occur if any,” he said.

    Eshiet noted that the higher the speed of a vehicle, the shorter the time a driver had to stop and avoid a crash adding that speeding contributed to the severity of the impact when a collision occur.

    According to him,  controlling vehicle speed can prevent crashes and reduce the impact when they do occur, lessening the severity of injuries sustained by the victim.

    “What is obvious to you may not be to others, most people don’t think  `Road Safety’ as long as they have a good vehicle and a reasonable stretch of road.

    “A car travelling at 50km/h will typically require 13 metres to stop, while a car travelling at 40km/h will stop in less than 8.5 metres.

    “An increase in average speed of 1 km/h typically results in a 37 per cent higher risk of a crash involving injury, with a four per cent to five per cent increase for crashes that result in fatalities.

    “For car occupants in a crash with an impact speed of 80km/h, the likelihood of death is 20 times what it would have been at an impact speed of 30km/h.

    “The relationship between speed and injury severity is particularly critical for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

    “Pedestrians have been shown to have a 90 per cent chance of survival when struck by a car travelling at 30km/h or below, but less than 50 per cent chance of surviving an impact at 45km/h.

    “Pedestrians have almost no chance of surviving an impact of 80km/h,” he said.

    The Delta  Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Vincent Ehiwario, Director, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), identified lack of maintenance culture as a major cause of crashes on the road

    “Many people fail to engage in simple maintenance check and servicing of their vehicle such as the break, tires, steering etc.

    “It is important to check these things because they are major causes of road crashes, and checking them can prevent loss of lives and properties,” he said.

    Mr Silas Omobude, Assistant Director, Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned motorists to desist from illicit use of drugs on steering, drunk-driving during and after the “ember” month.

    “Most of the road crashes that occur during the ’ember’ months are caused by bad attitudes of drivers.

    “Drunk-driving, illicit use of drugs is not allowed during, before and after ’ember’ months.

    “Motorists should ensure effective functioning of the steering system, headlights, brake, wipers and tyres, for safety,” he said.(

  • Collapsed flyover bridge: FRSC diverts traffic into Enugu metropolis

    Collapsed flyover bridge: FRSC diverts traffic into Enugu metropolis

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a road advisory to motorists and diverted traffic along Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Expressway following the collapse of a Flyover Bridge on the road.

    One of the flyover bridges across Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Expressway collapsed on Monday morning. The incident happened at kilometer-one section of the Expressway between Naira Triangle and New Artisan Market axis of Enugu.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Sokunbi Adeyemi, in Enugu said he had dispatched Corps’ officers and men to the scene to control and divert traffic.

    Adeyemi said that the incident happened at about 12:30p.m., adding that it took officials of the FRSC only five minutes to rush to the scene of the incident.

    He said that the incident was caused by natural disaster.

    The sector commander said: “For safety, motorists and other road users should take alternative routes.

    “Motorists coming from Port-Harcourt/Aba axis to Abakaliki are advised to take Bricks Estate Junction close to New Kenyetta Market (Army check-point)  through Okpara Square to New Haven Junction by Otigba Roundabout – Ogui Roundabout- Abakpa Junction (by 82 Division) straight ahead to Abakaliki.

    “Motorists from Abuja/Abakaliki to Aba/Port Harcourt, are advised to go through Abakpa Junction (82 Division) – New Haven Junction by Otigba Roundabout – Okpara Square and hit Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Expressway at New Kenyetta Market (Army check-point) to continue their journey to Aba/Port Harcourt”.

    Reacting to the incident, the Police Command in Enugu State told NAN that it had effectively cordoned off the portion of the Collapsed Flyover Bridge of the Federal Highway.

    The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, adding that no one sustained any serious injury during the incident.

    Ndukwe said that police operatives had joined in traffic control and diversion of  traffic to safe alternative routes within Enugu metropolis.

  • Anambra accident: FRSC boss condoles with victims’ families

    Anambra accident: FRSC boss condoles with victims’ families

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr  Dauda Ali Biu, has condoled with the families of victims of the crash along the Onitsha -Inteje-Akwa axis in Anambra on Friday.

    This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Friday in Abuja.

    Biu, however, called on road users,especially fleet operators, to exercise caution and be conscious of their environment whenever they are driving.

    He urged motorists to avoid driving against stipulated speed limit on all roads, saying it was necessary for all to take caution.

    Biu said adhering to safety measures were important to help the corps eradicate or minimise incidences of a road accident caused by impatience and lack of mental alertness of motorists.

    “This advice came following the fatal crash that occurred involving a Mitsubishi L300 commercial Bus with vehicle registration number XE 245 AWK and a DAF Leyland Truck with registration number T-19094 LA at the aforementioned route.

    “According to the first information report from the scene of the crash, eyewitnesses stated that the DAF Leyland truck was coming from Onitsha while the Mitsubishi L300 bus was coming from Nteje axis.

    “8  vehicles got to the failed portion at the same time when the container of the Leyland Truck fell on the Mitsubishi Bus, ” he said.

    The accident, which involved 10 people, killed five female adults, injured two male adults and two female adults.

    The Corps Marshal commended FRSC operatives for their prompt response to the distressing situation.

    This, he said, ensured immediate evacuation of the victims to  the hospital for medical attention and clearance of obstruction, allowing free flow of traffic within the axis.

    NAN

  • 5 women die as container crushes bus in Anambra

    5 women die as container crushes bus in Anambra

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, says five women died when a container fell on a commercial bus at Odumodu Junction on Nteje-Awka.

    The state Sector Commander, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Awka on Friday.

    He said that the container fell off a trailer and crushed the nearby bus.

    Irelewuyi said that the accident occurred at 7:30 a.m. as the driver was avoiding a failed portion of the road.

    “The fatal crash involved two unidentified drivers of a Mistibushi L300 commercial bus with registration number XE245AWK and a commercial Daf/Leyland truck with number T-19094LA.

    “According to eyewitnesses, the vehicles were headed to different locations; one to Awka and the other to Onitsha.

    “When the vehicles got to the bad spot at same time, and due to the weight of the container, it fell on the bus,” the sector commander said.

    He said that  10 persons –  three male adults and seven female adults –  were involved in the crash.

    “Five women were killed. Two men and two women sustained injuries, while one man was rescued unhurt.

    “FRSC rescue team took the injured victims to Divine Care Hospital, Umunya, while the dead victims were taken to Chira Hospital for doctor’s confirmation before the bodies were deposited at New Jerusalem Mortuary in Nteje,” he said.

    Irelewuyi said that efforts were being made to remove the obstruction created by the accident.

    He sympathised with the families of the dead and wished the injured quick recovery.

    He urged motorists to drive with caution.

  • 2 dead, 5 injured in Ondo road accident

    2 dead, 5 injured in Ondo road accident

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, said two people died, while five others were injured in an accident on Friday night at Olokuta area on the Akure-Ondo road.

    Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, confirmed the incident to NAN in a telephone interview on Saturday.

    SonAllah, who explained that the accident occurred at about 5:48p.m, said it involved six male adults and one female adult.

    The sector commander attributed the cause of the crash, which involved one commercial vehicle and a Honda Accord car, to speeding.

    “On Friday at about 5:48p.m at the Olokuta Correctional Centre area along Akure-Ondo road, a Nissan Primera commercial vehicle marked FGB-96XA and a Honda Accord car marked MUS-834 AL were involved in an accident.

    “Two male adults died on the spot, while four male adults and one female adult were injured.

    “The deceased have been deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital morgue in Akure, while the vehicles have been handed over to the police,” he said.

    SonAllah admonished motorists to always abide by the traffic rules and regulations, saying any violation would be arrested and prosecuted.