The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

  • Ondo road crash claims 10 lives, five others injured

    Ondo road crash claims 10 lives, five others injured

    No fewer than 10 persons yesterday reportedly lost their lives while five were critically injured in a fatal road accident at Agbogbo Area along Akure/Owo road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Eyewitness said the carnage involved a Toyota 14-passenger commercial bus with registration number Plateau PKN 63 XA with another commercial Mercedes Benz bus with registration number Abuja 561 KWL.

    The incident was said to have occurred at about 5.am but eye witness could not say exactly the cause of the fatal accident.
    However, the position of the two vehicles involved in the accident indicated that it was a head-on-collision.

    One of the buses was said to heading to Abuja from Lagos while the second one was coming from Jos, Plateau State.

    The eyewitness said, ” We just heard a very loud bang and quickly rushed to the scene where we met the two buses in the accident while the passengers were trapped inside one of the buses. Many of them were already dead. “

    It was gathered that the men of the Ondo State Police Command and their counterparts from the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) took the deceased to the morgue of the State Specialists Hospital, Akure while the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital.

    The identity of the victims of the accident were yet unknown as at press time.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Joseph confirmed the incident, saying it was caused by reckless driving and dangerous overtaking on the parts of the vehicles involved.

    He urged motorists to always be mindful of the road rules and regulations.

  • Road accidents: FRSC records 4,410 deaths in 2017

    Road accidents: FRSC records 4,410 deaths in 2017

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) recorded 4,410 deaths by road accidents in 2017.

    The recorded  number which is lower than that of 2016 is in  7,937 road crashes with 23,392 victims injured.

    The figures, is lower than the number recorded in 2016 which was 4,527 deaths with 26,749 injured.

    Corps Marshal FRSC Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, while giving a performance review yesterday in Abuja described the reduction in crashes and fatalities as a success story.

    Oyeyemi who attributed the result to the enlightenment programmes by the corps and the support from stakeholders, including the security services,  media and the transport unions. 

    Added, “The corps worked assiduously in 2017 to bring down the rate of road traffic crashes nationwide as we recorded 7,937 crashes as against 8,560 in 2016 indicating a decrease of 7.28 per cent, while the number of people killed in 2017 was 4,410 as against 4,527 in 2016. This represents a reduction pf 2.58 percent.

    “Twenty-three thousand, three hundred and ninety-two persons were injured in 2017 as against 26,749 in 2016 giving us a reduction of 1.34 percent.”

    He also said that fines paid by traffic offenders may be increased this year, noting that the penalties stipulated by the law is low.

    Hus words, “You can’t fine an offender N4,000 for using a mobile phone while driving and he would still go back and commit the same offence; The fines may go up this year, we would also have more mobile courts on the highways to try offenders,” 

    He also revealed that crashes involving articulated trucks, including tankers and trailers, had reduced due to the installation of speed limiters, adding that the corps had recorded 60 per cent compliance rate by truck owners. 

    Oyeyemi stated that the FRSC enforcement would focus on tyres and overloading which he said constituted a problem in the northern part of the country.

    He complained about the poor quality of tyres being imported into the country, noting that he had made a presentation to the government to encourage local production of quality tyres.

    He called for equipment and retraining of states traffic management agencies personnel, and lauded Lagos, Ogun, Delta and a few other states for equipping their traffic officers.

  • FRSC rescues 90 in Lagos

    FRSC rescues 90 in Lagos

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) rescued 90 people unharmed in Lagos State during its “Operation Zero Tolerance Patrol’’ which started on December 18, 2017.

    The State Sector Commander of the corps, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, gave the figure in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

    “So far, we experienced nine crashes during the patrol, but one was fatal where one life was lost on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    “Two other crashes were serious where two victims were injured.

    “About 90 other people were rescued unharmed at other incidents,” he said.

    Omeje told NAN that the command arrested no fewer than 165 motorists at different corridors for various traffic offences during the patrol.

    Read also: Fatality rate in Ogun drops by 38.5% in 2017- FRSC

    He said that the corps lived up to expectations in ‘Ember Months’ sensitisation and patrol performances.

    According to him, the command established four camps which operated for 24 hours at different corridors, and adopted strategies to avert accidents and curb gridlocks on critical corridors.

    “We said before the patrol started that no motorists would sleep on the road as a result of gridlocks; so far, it is a success story,” he said.

    Omeje said enlightenment programmes by the corps to educate motorists, especially commercial bus drivers at different parks, accounted for the increased level of compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

    The sector commander appealed to motorist to drive safely and observe road signs on highways to avoid accidents.

    The patrol which began last year will end on January 15.

    NAN

  • 2017: 143 die, 843 injured in Edo auto crashes

    2017: 143 die, 843 injured in Edo auto crashes

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) in Edo says a total of 143 persons died and 843 others were injured in various auto crashes across the state in 2017.

    Mr. Samuel Odukoya, the FRSC Sector Commander, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Benin on Tuesday.

    Odukoya said 226 auto crashes were recorded in the state during the period involving 2,285 persons comprising 1,539 males, 598 females and 148 children.

    The sector commander in Edo disclosed that during the yuletide alone, 21 cases of traffic crashes were recorded with 101 casualties of which 11 were killed and 90 persons injured.

    Read also: Obaseki: Gains of transformational leadership in Edo

    According to him, a greater percentage of the accidents were due to over speeding, followed by mechanical deficiencies in the vehicles with brake failure alone accounting for about 10 per cent.

    Odukoya added that two per cent of the accidents were due to tyre burst, while road traffic violations and wrong overtaking also accounted for two per cent each.

    NAN

  • FRSC advises travelers to ascertain fitness of vehicles before boarding

    FRSC advises travelers to ascertain fitness of vehicles before boarding

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised travelers to ascertain fitness of commercial vehicles before boarding them, to avoid accidents due to bad tyres and over-loading.

    The Enugu State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Edward Zamber, gave the advice while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday.

    NAN recalls that about two weeks ago, FRSC launched a nationwide Special Yuletide Patrol, which is meant to last for a month before and after the New Year.

    Zamber noted that due to neglect, most commuters boarded vehicles which physical appearance alone was not healthy for a long journey beyond an hour drive.

    The sector commander also advised travelers and commuters to always board vehicles at designated motor parks.

    “Every traveler should go to the park and board vehicle and write the particulars in the passengers’ manifest for proper documentation and identification,’’ he said.

    Zamber, however, advised drivers to be patient with each other while maintaining lane discipline and defensive driving method on the roads.

    “FRSC officers and men would be on ground with patrol and towing vehicles to maintain vehicular sanity on the roads.

    “Commercial buses loading of passengers along the highways poses serious danger of accident to the commuters as well as on-coming vehicles since the highways are not designed for such purpose,’’ he warned.

     

  • Xmas celebrations was crash-free – FRSC

    Xmas celebrations was crash-free – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Kuje Command, said that it recorded zero road crash during the Christmas celebrations in Kuje Area Council.

    The FRSC Unit Commander, Solomon Igbogbo, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kuje on Thursday.

    Igbogbo commended road users for adhering to traffic rules and regulations during the celebrations and urged them to continue with the manner always.

    According to him, the presence of the command’s personnel on major roads in the area has compelled motorists to desist from dangerous driving, overloading and unnecessary overtaking.

    He said that “road crashes are not mere occurrences; they are largely human but can be reduced through conscious effort by drivers by strictly adhering to traffic rules.

    All we need to do on our highways is to examine our driving attitude to stay clear of any unhealthy practices and to be promoters of road safety advocacy”.

    He also said that the command would continue to initiate techniques that would guarantee safety and security of lives and property of road users.

    Igbogbo said motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol were booked and arrested.

    According to the Unit Commander, stiff measures to tackle such offenders are being put in place to reduce accident during the festivities.

    “The command organised various enlightenment, training and awareness programmes for motorists to keep them informed on road signs.

    “We are determined to reduce accidents during the ember months, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    “Motorists were warned repeatedly to drive safely on the roads during and after every celebration in the area,” he said.

    Read also: FRSC  assures travellers of free traffic on River Niger bridge, Onitsha

    He identified speeding, use of expired tyres, driving while on the influence of alcohol and over-loading of vehicles as the major causes of road accidents.

    Besides, he also warned on the dangers of operating unregistered vehicles as an offence punishable under the Road Safety Act.

    “Accidents do not just happen; they are caused by road users as a result of negligence and disobedience to traffic rules and regulations.

    “A registered car is a proof of evidence that a car owner has paid the taxes, fees and is a rightful owner of the registered vehicle,” he said.

    The unit commander also called for partnership with the transport unions to reduce road accidents to the barest minimum.

    He assured that the unit would continue to do its best to achieve zero road crashes in the area by putting the road marshals on their toes.

    NAN

  • Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Road accident claims four

    Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Road accident claims four

    Four persons were feared dead in an accident involving a Ford bus and a Mack trailer on Wednesday morning on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.

    Mr. Clement Oladele, the Ogun Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), confirmed the figure to newsmen in Abeokuta.

    Oladele said that the accident happened at 4:45 a.m., near the Ijebu Ode Toll Gate.

    The sector commander said that the accident was caused by loss of control by the driver of the black truck with registration number XB 111 LSD.

    According to him, the loss of control led to a collision of the truck with the white bus marked LSD 766 XS.

    “The accident occurred at about 4:45a.m. near Ijebu Ode Toll Gate, leading to the death of four people trapped in the bus conveying passengers and woods.

    “The crash is suspected to have been caused by loss of control, when a truck which had earlier parked, suddenly attempted to join the road corridor.

    “A Mack truck moving in the same direction, in an attempt to avoid colliding with the truck entering the road, swerved away from the slow lane to the fast lane.

    Read also: FRSC confirms one death recorded in Enugu NNPC mega station accident

    “The bus travelling behind on the fast lane was too fast and could not stop but run into the truck that swerved from slow to the fast lane.

    “The crash resulted in the death of the four passengers in the bus,’’ he said.

    Oladele said that the corpses of the victims had been taken to the Ijebu Ode General Hospital Mortuary, adding that obstructions at the accident scene had been cleared.

    He urged motorists to drive cautiously and obey all traffic rules and regulations.

    The sector commander also advised motorists to avoid joining a road corridor suddenly or interfering with moving traffic.

    NAN

  • Inform us on road accidents, others – FRSC

    Inform us on road accidents, others – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) has urged travelers and road users to use its toll-free 122 line to report any urgent negative development on roads.

    The Enugu Zonal Commander of FRSC, Mr Samuel Obayemi, gave the advice while speaking in Enugu on Tuesday.

    Obayemi, who is in-charge of Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, noted that the toll-free line should be used to get to FRSC National Operations Control Centre Abuja, where assistance can be received for any issue on the roads in the country.

    He said that the line, also known as FRSC code number, was the surest and quickest means to get the attention of the corps even when its patrol teams and unit command situated on the roads were not easily visible.

    “The toll-free 122 line is an express dial emergency number to get the FRSC National Operations Control Centre, Abuja for compliant on any development or issues on the road.

    “You can dial and report any accident involving vehicles or other objects on the road.

    Read also: FRSC confirms 11 women conveying bride die in Kano auto crash

    “You can report on activities of road users especially drivers, who drive recklessly at the detriment of lives of other road users, so that the control centre can get to the nearest FRSC patrol team on the same road to stop the reckless driver.

    “Even, you can use it to report any of our staff, who is deviating from his duty or becoming unprofessional in the discharge of his or her duty on the road,’’ he said.

    The zonal commander also said that the control centre also received criminal and hoodlums threats on the road, related to the nearest unit or sector command to get the attention of the law enforcement agencies.

    “The FRSC National Operations Control Centre, Abuja has been instrumental to the smashing of activities of criminals on our roads through road users report to the centre via 122.

    “Since, we have effective collaboration with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), and the military, they usually respond to the intelligence on crime the centre gives to the nearest unit and sector command,’’ he said.

    Obayemi, however, thanked motorists for the co-operation with the corps’ personnel so far, adding that it had led to a hitch-free FRSC Special Yuletide Operation within some days now.

    “I must laud other sister security agencies, the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air-Force, the National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) and the motoring public for their support to our special operation,’’ he said.

    The FRSC also has a 12-digit emergency line – 0700 2255 3772.

    NAN

  • Yuletide : NEMA, FRSC flag off ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ operation

    Yuletide : NEMA, FRSC flag off ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ operation

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in conjunction with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Saturday in Kano flagged off ‘Operation Eagle Eye’operation to handle road emergencies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the operation was an initiative of NEMA in collaboration with the lead Agency, FRSC with assistance and support of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Red Cross Society.

    Speaking at the occasion, the NEMA Kano Head of operations, Malam Nura Abdullahi said the exercise was aimed at rescue activities and strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations as part of measures to enlighten road users during and after the yuletide.

    According to him, the main objective of the exercise was also to sensitize motorists, road unions, passengers and the public to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

    He said the initiative was also aimed at complementing other stakeholders especially the Federal Road Safety Corps in tackling road accidents in the country.

    He said NEMA officers and stakeholders that included FRSC, NSCDC and NRCS would be stationed in strategic places to monitor and ensure non reckless driving, sensitize drivers to be moderate on their speed limit and avoid drunken behaviour.

    NAN reports that during the flag-off of the exercise, leaflets on safe driving were distributed to drivers along the ever-busy Kano-Zaria road.

  • Xmax: FRSC deploys 36,000 marshals nationwide

    Xmax: FRSC deploys 36,000 marshals nationwide

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 36,000 regular and special marshals nationwide for the end of year special patrols operation.

    Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi ordered for the deployment Tuesday.

    Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, stated that 795 patrol cars, 204 motorcycles, 106 ambulances and 21 tow trucks will also be deployed for the exercise.

    Code-named Operation Zero Tolerance with the theme, “Right to Life on the Highway, Not Negotiable’’, the exercise kicks off on Wednesday and will run until Jan. 15.

    Kazeem said the operations were targeting free flow of traffic, drastic reduction in accidents, and prevention of accident-related deaths across the country, among others, during the period.

    He identified the operational strategies to include establishment of 13 Help Areas and nine camps on accident-prone corridors to cater for accident victims.

    His words, “Other strategies are quick response time to distress calls, 24-hour visibility along critical corridors, uninterrupted motorised patrol, day-time route lining, traffic control and deployment of 201 mobile courts.

    “The Corps would also activate high alert on internal and external medical facilities to intervene in case of crashes, undertake aerial surveillance and purposeful synergy with other security agencies.”

    According to him, the FRSC boss has also ordered strict enforcement of traffic laws with focus on speeding, dangerous driving, use of phone while driving, overloading, passenger manifest violations, among others.

    “Management staff, Zonal Commanding Officers, Zonal Heads of Operations and other senior officers of the Corps have been massively deployed to monitor the exercise along critical corridors.

    “Commanding Officers have been directed to closely collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure safe and secured end-of-year patrol operations.

    “Their involvement is to provide security support and to check the activities of recalcitrant offenders, dissidents and other anti-FRSC elements,’’ the spokesman said.

    Kazeem added that a Special Monitoring Team would be deployed to keep an eye on all corridors and ensure strict compliance to the Corps Marshal’s directives.

    The special monitoring, he explained, would provide first-hand information to the FRSC boss on happenings in the field as it relates to the operations.

    While reiterating the FRSC’s appeal for cooperation by the motoring public, Kazeem urged road users to make use of the Corps’ helpline (122) in the event of accidents and other emergencies.