146 people perished in different road traffic accidents in Oyo State between January and June, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
This was revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan by Mr. Joshua Adekanye, state sector commander of the corps.
Adekanye said that 618 people had suffered injuries of varying severity in the 246 traffic accidents that were reported to have taken place within the time frame.
He broke down the number, stating that 15 people died in January, 15 in February, 23 in March, 24 in April, and 24 in June.
According to the inquiry, several crashes were caused by speeding, drunk or drugged driving, technical problems, and other factors.
The sector commander warned drivers against irresponsible driving, stating that the command has increased enforcement and public education throughout motor parks, churches, and mosques.
According to him:
“To reduce road traffic crashes, the corps, aside enforcement, has strengthened its public enlightenment in the parks, Mosques and Churches.
“We also seize every available opportunity to talk to the general public on the factors that can lead to road crashes and how to avoid same.
“We also make use of radio, print and social media to pass the message across to the general public. We also partner with traditional leaders to talk to people in their domain on how to avoid factors that can lead to road traffic crashes.
“In addition to that, we have also redoubled our enforcement and mobile court for arraignment and prosecution of traffic offenders without delay.”
Adekanye went on to say that the corps was aware of the lack of road signs on the roadways, and that the condition had been connected to scavengers’ actions.
According to him, this might endanger the lives of both drivers and other road users.
“They (scavengers) are the ones stealing the sign post and plates on the road and we are talking to the federal and state Ministries of Works to see how the road signs can be replaced,” he stated.
cc: Vanguard Ng
