The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

  • Speed limiting device: FRSC records 30% compliance nationwide

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded 30-per cent compliance by commercial vehicles in the first 40 days of the full enforcement of its speed limiter policy nationwide.

    This is contained in the executive summary of the Speed Limiting Device (SLD) implementation report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The report covers the 40-day period between Feb. 1, when the FRSC began full enforcement of the installation of SLD by commercial vehicles, and March 12.

    According to the report, out of 71,501 commercial vehicles checked within the period, 22,118 or 30 per cent were found to have installed the device.

    The report shows that 22,785 or 31 per cent of the vehicles were booked for not installing the device, while 26,602 representing 37 per cent were cautioned.

    It said a total of 177 commercial vehicle drivers appeared in mobile courts, and 7,630 vehicles impounded within the period under review.

    At the state level, 67 per cent compliance rate was recorded in Edo where 1,738 vehicles installed the device out of 2,587 that were checked.

    In the FCT, a total of 7,385 vehicles were checked out of which 3,646 were found with the device, representing a 49-per-cent success rate.

    According to the statistics, only 1,745 vehicles or 27 per cent complied with the policy in Lagos where a total of 6,296 were checked during the period under review.

    The FRSC began implementation of the speed limiter policy on Feb. 1 to address the issue of speed, blamed for 50 per cent of road accidents in the country.

    The Corps believes that controlling vehicle speed would cut road accidents by 50 per cent, in addition to reducing the impact of crashes when they occur.

    Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the decision to begin with commercial vehicles was informed by the fact that majority of Nigerians depend on them for transportation.

    Oyeyemi said 60 per cent of vehicles involved in accidents nationwide were commercial, resulting in the highest casualty figures compared to other categories of vehicles.

    Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said that the 30 per cent success rate recorded just within 40 days was an indication that the policy was on course.

    Kazeem told NAN in Abuja that the agency was determined not only to sustain the policy, but also to extend it to all categories of vehicles in due course.

    He solicited the continued cooperation of Nigerians with the Corps to prevent avoidable deaths through accidents on the nation’s roads.

     

  • FRSC arrests 657 over non-installation of speed limiting device

    FRSC arrests 657 over non-installation of speed limiting device

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra said it has arrested no fewer than 657 motorists for non installation of Speed Limiting Device in their vehicles in February.

    Mr Sunday Ajayi, the FRSC Sector Commander made the disclosure in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.

    Ajayi said that 107 offenders were tried by a mobile court of which 102 were convicted.

    According to him, 51 of the convictions were in relation to non installation of the device while others were due to other offenses including route violation, speeding, overloading and dangerous driving.

    “In the month of February we arrested not less than 657 offenders for non installation of speed limiting device in their vehicles.

    “Apart from that, we arranged mobile courts where some offenders that failed to comply with the installation of speed limiting device in their vehicles were taken before a magistrate.

    “About 107 were arraigned during this period and 102 were convicted, and among the 102 convicted 51 were as a result of failure to install speed limiting device.

    We have been able to drive home to road users, fleet operators that on Nigerian roads today, you cannot drive without installing the device,” he said.

    The sector commander pointed out that the enforcement had resulted to increased demand for the device by motorists.

    Ajayi encouraged them to approach the vendors or nearest FRSC unit command or visit www.speedlimitingdevice.frsc.go.ng for inquiries on how to purchase the device.

    He said the command was determined to reduce crashes by 15 percent and fatality by 25 percent in 2017.

    Ajayi said that the FRSC would focus on major risk factors including speeding,  intensify advocacy and effective engagement of stakeholders to bring down the figure and ensure safe roads.

  • FRSC impounds 69 vehicles for speed violation in Edo

    The Edo Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), says 69 vehicles have so far been impounded for failure to install the speed limiter device in their vehicles.

    The Sector State Commander, Mr. Samuel Odukoya, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday.

    According to Odukoya, the vehicles were impounded since the enforcement of the speed limiter commenced; adding that the order to impound the vehicles was secured through a mobile court that was constituted by the corps.

    He said that the mobile court prosecuted the drivers of 85 other vehicles, while 16 others were discharged.

    He also disclosed that 917 vehicles were stopped during the period, with 236 vehicles booked and 174 out of the number cautioned, across the 10 routes of the command.

    Odukoya further explained that between Feb. 6 and Feb.12 the command secured 59 convictions out of 85 prosecutions, while 16 vehicles were discharged.

    He disclosed that this was out of the 467 vehicles stopped within the period.

     

  • FRSC records 11 deaths in Edo in January

    The Edo Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 11 deaths are recorded in Edo due to road accidents in January.

    The state Sector Commander, Mr Samuel Odukoya, made this known on Tuesday in Benin.

    Odukoya said that within the period under review, 23 road accidents were recorded with nine fatal cases, 13 serious cases and a minor case.
    The sector commander said that 73 injured cases were recorded with total casualty of 84.

    He explained that a comparative analysis of the road accident in the state between December 2016 and January 2017 showed that in December, 30 road accidents were recorded as against 23 in January.

    He said that casualties recorded in January were 84 as against 94 recorded in Dec 2016, while fatality and injured were nine and 73 respectively in January as against eight and 86 respectively in December.

    Meanwhile, the command had returned an undisclosed amount of cash found in an accident scene to the owner.

    The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, Mr Monday Agelebor, was at the command’s office alongside with the owner of the money to collect it from the FRSC officials.

    Agelebor said that the passenger left the money in the accident which occurred along Aduwawa road, Benin on Feb. 7, adding that the accident occurred due to break failure.

     

  • Speed limiter: FRSC laments non-compliance in Gombe

    Speed limiter: FRSC laments non-compliance in Gombe

    Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe, Mr David Mendie said on Friday that the level of compliance by commercial vehicle drivers in the state with the directive to install speed limiter device was unimpressive.

    In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe, Mendie said they had booked several vehicles for non-compliance in the past three days.

    “We are still on special patrol along all the major highways in the state and I can confirm to you that the level of compliance is low.

    “We have booked a substantial number of vehicles from the date of commencement to date,” he said.

    He, therefore, advised commercial vehicle owners to meet speed limiter vendors and negotiate with them for staggered payment of the device.

    “Speed limiter device is of advantage to all; people are dying as a result of road traffic crashes.

    “Installing the device has become necessary to save lives and properties,” Mendie said.
    Meanwhile, some of the commercial vehicle drivers who spoke to NAN said they might be forced to park their vehicles, pending the time they would raise the amount needed for the device.

  • FRSC seeks nationwide ban of commercial motorcycle

    FRSC seeks nationwide ban of commercial motorcycle

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has recommended a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycles popularly known as `Okada’ to reduce accidents on our roads.

    The recommendation forms part of the October Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Report 2016, submitted by the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).  

    The report made available to the News of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Oyeyemi as saying that commercial motorcyclist, remained a major cause of fatal road traffic accidents across the country, hence the need for state governments to consider banning them from operating.

    The RTC statistics for October 2016, shows that 230 cases or 18 per cent of a total of 1,259 vehicles were involved in accidents within the month, majority were commercial motorcycles.

    According to the report, motorcycle accidents ranked third after cars which accounted for 457 cases or 36 per cent, followed by minibuses with 243 or 19 per cent of the total.

    Oyeyemi said, “Following the outcome of the analysis, it could be concluded that motorcycle still constitutes serious menace on the nation’s highways.

    “Accordingly, improved results could be achieved in the future, if more state governments could consider placing a ban on the use of motorcycle for commercial purposes.

    “In view of the above, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should facilitate and encourage state governments to ban the use of motorcycle for commercial purposes.’’  

    NAN reports that commercial motorcycle is currently banned from major routes in some cities and towns including Abuja and state capitals across the country.

    Besides their contributions to road accidents, they have also been linked to the operations of armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals in several parts of the country.

    In 2014, the National Council on Transport recommended their ban nationwide “to ensure adequate provision of safe and secure means of transportation in the country’’.

    Reports say Anambra and Lagos states had for over two years now, banned the use of commercial motorcycle on highways in their territories.

  • FRSC to adopt new technology in checking vehicle particulars

    FRSC to adopt new technology in checking vehicle particulars

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is working toward deploying new technology in checking vehicle particulars on the highways.

    Mr Shehu Zaki, the Commanding Officer, Lagos and Ogun Zonal Command, told newsmen in Lagos that the new gadget would be used to book erring traffic offenders.

    “We want to leverage on technology because if a vehicle has a genuine plate number and you pick that number you will get the vehicle.

    “That is why we are insisting that the issues of vehicle registration and driver’s licence are key to the success of the FRSC’s operations.

    “The adoption of technology has been the key success toward effective database of vehicles in advanced countries.

    “The use of technology is the easiest way to detect and prosecute hit-and-run drivers.

    “The moment you contravene the traffic rules, the gadget will automatically register your vehicle and the traffic administrator will send a ticket indicating your fine to your residence instead of chasing you around.

    “That is why FRSC is serious about the two schemes; number plate and driver’s licence.

    “This will enable us have a better traffic management and administration in Nigeria,’’ Zaki said.

    The FRSC boss said that the use of technology would resolve all the challenges the corps had been encountering on the highways.

    The system would also protect both the personnel and
    the motorists through its security fittings and precautions, he said.

  • Motorists warned against night journey

    Motorists warned against night journey

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday warned travellers to avoid night journey because of ongoing rehabilitation of roads.

    Mr Hyginus Umeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Umeje advised motorists to travel during the day for good visibility, security reasons and quick response in case of emergency.

    “We have been advocating that people should not travel at night because of rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan- Sagamu Interchange and Benin-Ore Expressway by the Federal Government.

    “Due to the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation across the country, it is advisable for people not to embark on night journey,’’ he said.

    The sector commander said that the command had created camps on highways to take care of traffic gridlocks.

    Umeje also appealed to motorists to avoid overloading, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

    “We learnt that some passengers ask drivers to carry four passengers in a seat meant for three in order to reduce the fare; passengers should not make such suggestions,’’ he said.

    According to him, patrol teams have been deployed to conduct alcohol test on drivers; any driver found wanting will be charged to court.

  • Christmas: FRSC to deploy 475 personnel, 500 special marshals in Edo

    Christmas: FRSC to deploy 475 personnel, 500 special marshals in Edo

    475 personnel and 500 special marshals are to be deployed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)  across the various highways in Edo for patrol services in order to ensure safety during the Yuletide.

    Mr Samuel Odukoya, the Edo Sector Commander, said this on Monday during the flag-off of the `Ember’ month campaign tagged “Crash the Crash, Speed Kills”.

    The event took place in Auchi, Etsako-West Local Government Area of Edo.

    “We have 475 officers and 500 special marshals that will be on patrol in strategic routes within the various commands and units of our zone in Edo.

    “You know Edo State is strategically located, and motorists travelling to any part of the country must pass through Edo.

    “The volume of vehicles that plies our roads are so enormous that we need to be proactive to ensure the roads are safer for the people during this festivity,” he said.

    Odukoya, who advised motorists to always plan their journeys to reduce accidents, urged them to ensure that their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on any trip.

    “Motorists should not overload their vehicles and should also not travel at night because of insecurity to ensure hitch-free journey,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Mr Moses Bature, the FRSC unit commander in Auchi, said the campaign was geared toward educating the public on safe driving during and after the `ember’ month.

    “The essence of the public enlightenment is to bring road traffic crash on its knees as road traffic crash has been a cankerworm to most families over the years.

    “ However, it can be avoided if drivers obey traffic laws,” he said.

    Bature said that motorists still engaged in overloading their vehicles and violating traffic rules.

    He said that the unit had intensified its enforcement on overloading and speeding, especially, in this `ember’ months.

  • ‘Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu Interchange ready in 2 weeks’

    ‘Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu Interchange ready in 2 weeks’

    The Health and Safety Manager of Julius Berger Construction Company Plc., Mr Philip Geddes, on Friday said that the Lagos-Ibadan and Sagamu Interchange would be opened in the next two weeks.

    Geddes made the assertion when the Assistant-Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Mr Kayde Aderanti, inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads.

    He said that the company was working tirelessly to ensure that the roads were ready for use by the public before the Yuletide.

    “The bridge will be finished before Christmas so that people can travel without any hitch.

    “We are constantly working to ensure this happens. We have tow vehicles and we have security agents on ground to ensure all these are possible,’’ he said.

    The AIG told the workers that he was there on the instruction of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police to see how the road network was getting ready for use during the Yuletide.

    He added at he was there to carry out a comprehensive assessment of all the security challenges on the axis.

    “You will recall that in the past few weeks that gridlock has resulted to traffic accidents and insecurity.

    “The I-G is of the view that we are entering the Yuletide and that people will be travelling on this road, millions of people and thousands of vehicles.

    “And it is our duty to ensure that people going out of Ogun and Lagos should have a smooth and easy ride.

    “Smooth ride that is devoid of any form of criminality to the people and their property from gridlock that can be prevented.

    “In doing this, we are coming together, all security agencies, a kind of integrated comprehensive approach, the road safety and the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “We want to adopt cooperation and togetherness to solve this problem. We in the police will provide adequate security and we will ensure that we deploy our men in a way that anybody driving through this way will feel safe,’’ Aderanti said.

    Mr Olukayode Olapade, Operational Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said that “if we look at our operations for the past two months, we are close on the long bridge at about 10 to 11 p.m. every day.

    “With this new arrangement with the Nigerian Police, we assure Nigerians of our continuous stay on the road and as much as there is any gridlock, we will make sure we do our possible best to ease it.

    “With the situation on ground now, if you look, we have alternative roads on the long bridge and after our discussion with Julius Berger, they have cleared it,’’ he said.