Abuja, Sept. 20, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formed a strategic partnership with prominent stakeholders in the transport sector to address the alarming rise in road traffic crashes (RTCs) across Nigeria. This collaboration was formalized during an emergency press briefing and stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at developing a united front in the fight against road accidents.
The meeting culminated in a communique, co-signed by the FRSC management team and executives from major transport unions and fleet operators, outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat the surge in RTCs. The communique emphasized the urgency of the partnership, which brings together key players from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the root causes of road crashes and promote road safety.
The FRSC has been grappling with an increase in significant crashes over the past month, with negligence, driver fatigue, speeding, night driving, and dangerous driving being major contributing factors. In light of these challenges, the communique identified a wide range of causes behind the high rate of road crashes, including driver-related issues, poor infrastructure, vehicle deficiencies, and gaps in regulatory oversight and road safety education.
The document highlighted several critical concerns, stating, “Poor traffic light infrastructure, overloading, drivers’ complacency, underage drivers operating articulated vehicles, alcohol and illicit drug abuse, extra lights on trucks, and the covering up of bad behaviors by unions are all major factors contributing to road accidents.” The communique also drew attention to inadequate road signs and deteriorating road structures as key issues that exacerbate the problem.
During the meeting, stakeholders stressed the importance of tackling these factors head-on to significantly reduce road crashes and enhance safety for all road users. The collaboration, they said, is vital in achieving the goals of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which seeks to halve global road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Key areas of focus for the partnership will include strengthening enforcement measures, launching public awareness campaigns, implementing driver retraining programs, improving vehicle maintenance practices, and upgrading road infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to form the cornerstone of efforts to bring down the number of accidents on Nigeria’s roads.
The meeting also applauded the FRSC Corps Marshal for his leadership and ongoing efforts to transform the agency, noting that his initiatives have played a crucial role in steering the country toward better road safety management. The stakeholders called on the public to support the FRSC by adopting safer driving habits.
In a bid to prevent fire outbreaks caused by petrol storage in vehicles, the stakeholders appealed to motorists to refrain from purchasing petrol and storing it in jerrycans inside their cars. Such practices pose significant risks, including the potential for deadly explosions that could result in the loss of lives and property.
Additionally, the communique urged drivers to obey traffic laws, practice defensive driving, avoid night trips, regularly check their vehicle’s condition, and report reckless driving to authorities. These actions, combined with the partnership’s broader initiatives, are expected to contribute to safer roads across the nation.
Representatives at the meeting included the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Luxury Bus Owners Association of Nigeria (LBOAN), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), as well as transport managers from major organizations like Transcorp Hilton, Rockview, GIG Motors, and Benue Links, among others.
With the combined efforts of the FRSC and its partners, the hope is that Nigeria can reverse the disturbing trend of rising road traffic crashes and move closer to achieving safer roads for all.(NAN)
Dear readers, we really need your support to keep on serving you with authoritative, truthful, and juicy stories everyday. For your support, please reach out to the editor @gavelinternational66@gmail.com