The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FRSC

  • Why we recorded a spike in road traffic crashes in December/January – FRSC 

    Why we recorded a spike in road traffic crashes in December/January – FRSC 

    …597 deaths recorded in 687 accidents

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed said risky road user behaviour was largely responsible for the 3.4 per cent increase in road traffic crashes recorded during the festive season, from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. 

    Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing on the Operation Zero 2025 festive season, comparing the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 operations, the FRSC boss said crash data revealed an increase across all major indices.

    Mohammed disclosed that total road traffic crashes rose from 665 in 2024/2025 to 687 in 2025/2026, representing a 3.4 percent increase. 

    He said, “The number of persons involved increased from 5,761 to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, a 4.2 percent increase. Injuries also increased from 2,462 to 2,522.” 

    “Those rescued without injury rose from 2,697 to 2,792, reflecting improved rescue and emergency response outcomes. 

    “The figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continued to undermine safety during peak travel periods.”

    According to the FRSC boss, analysis of Operation Zero 2025/2026 showed that the most severe crashes were concentrated along key interstate and peri-urban corridors, with several single-incident crashes resulting in multiple casualties.

    He said, “Locations such as Benin-Asaba-Awka recorded 17 injured and 12 deaths; Zuba-Kaduna-Zaria recorded 67 injured and 39 deaths; while Jos-Bauchi,Gombe-Bauchi-Darazo-Potiskum claimed 49 lives, Abuja-Lokoja, 28 deaths, Mai Adua-Daura-Kazaure-Dambata 18 deaths, and Enugu-Umuahia-Aba recorded 11 fatalities.” 

    Mohammed revealed that the largely avoidable crashes were primarily caused by speeding, dangerous overtaking, loss of control, tyre burst and brake failure—clear indicators of reckless driving and poor vehicle condition.

    He said in December 2025 alone, the FCT Metropolis corridor recorded 97 crashes, followed by Zuba–Kaduna–Zaria with 86 crashes, and Lafia–Akwanga–Keffi–Goshen with 80 crashes. 

    Read Also: Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    He added that the same corridors also accounted for the highest fatality burden, justifying sustained patrol dominance, speed enforcement and targeted intervention along high-risk routes.

    The FRSC boss said analysis also reveals that Zone RS4 Jos recorded the highest severity index at 0.18 and accounted for 11.4 percent of total crashes in December 2025, indicating a disproportionate fatality to crash ratio requiring sustained operational focus.

    He said: “Temporal analysis further shows that 87% of crashes occurred between 0600hrs and 1959hrs, with a pronounced peak between 1200hrs and 1359hrs, while Wednesdays recorded the highest crash frequency.”

    “Causation analysis remains unequivocal. Speed limit violation accounted for 41 percent of all identified causes of road traffic crashes in December 2025.”

    “Speed remains the single greatest threat to life on Nigerian roads. The data is clear: speed kills, indiscipline sustains crashes, and disciplined enforcement saves lives.”

    While giving January to December 2025 statistics, Mohammed also revealed that a comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 percent from 9,570 to 10,446. 

    He said that in 2024, fatal crashes which were 2,532 rose to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 percent, serious crashes by 10.5 percent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase. 

    The FRSC boss reported that the number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent.

    He also reported that the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction, hence the reduction confirms that post-crash response interventions are working, it fell short of the Corps’ strategic target of a 10% fatality reduction and confirms that the challenge before us is no longer response alone, but prevention, compliance and deterrence.

    He said in 2025, the Corps recorded a significant rise in enforcement activities compared to 2024. 

    “The number of offenders arrested increased from 453,304 in 2024 to 581,332 in 2025, representing an increase of 128,028 arrests, which translates to a 28.3% rise. Similarly, offences booked rose from 496,799 in 2024 to 648,918 in 2025, an increase of 152,119 offences, amounting to a 30.6% increase,” he said.  

    Mohammed said the upward trend reflects intensified patrol operations, improved surveillance, and a more robust enforcement strategy aimed at promoting road discipline and enhancing overall safety on Nigerian roads.

    He revealed that in comparison of 2024 and 2025 passenger and vehicular movement reveals steady growth, with passenger traffic rising from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million, representing a 2.54% increase; vehicles traveled also increased from 3.65 million to 3.74 million signifying a 1.25% difference; luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 trips to 29,844 trips, a 5.51% difference; and total kilometres covered growing significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, reflecting a 9.05% difference.

    The data, he said, confirms that both vehicle and persons travelled increased significantly in 2025, leading to higher vehicle volumes, mobility and economic activity. 

    He said despite the increased exposure, fatalities declined by 2.4 percent, meaning 132 lives were saved compared to 2024, hence the target of the corps was to reduce fatalities by 10 percent by 2025.

    He said the increase in injuries reflects higher crash occurrence alongside improved postcrash survival and rescue outcomes, hence, success was measured not only by targets but by lives preserved while enforcement and emergency response interventions were working, but they must now be intensified.

    Mohammed who revealed his policy directive on reversing the rising trend of road traffic crashes noted that the corps was dealing with a crisis of exposure, weak compliance, declining deterrence and persistent indiscipline, not an absence of laws or awareness. 

  • FRSC records 10,446 crashes, 5,289 deaths in 2025

    FRSC records 10,446 crashes, 5,289 deaths in 2025

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded 10,446 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and 5,289 deaths nationwide in 2025.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said that the data showed a decrease in the numbers of deaths recorded in the same period in 2024.

    Mohammed said that while the reduction confirmed that post-crash response interventions were working, it fell short of the Corps’ strategic target of a 10 per cent fatality reduction.

    He said that it also confirmed that the challenge before the Corps was no longer response alone, but prevention, compliance and deterrence.

    “Conversely, the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction in the same period under review.

    “Although, beyond the festive operation, on an annual basis, comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 per cent from 9,570 to 10,446.

    “Fatal crashes rose 2,532 in 2024 to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 per cent, serious crashes by 10.5 per cent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase.

    “The number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent, ” he said.

    On the other hand, Mohammed said that comparison of 2024 and 2025 passenger and vehicular movement revealed steady growth with passenger traffic rising from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million, representing a 2.54 per cent increase.

    The FRSC boss said that the number of vehicles traveled also increased from 3.65 million to 3.74 million signifying a 1.25 per cent difference.

    “Luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 trips to 29,844 trips, a 5.51 per cent difference; and total kilometres covered grew significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, reflecting a 9.05 per cent difference.

    “The data confirms that both vehicle and persons travelled increased significantly in 2025, leading to higher vehicle volumes, mobility and economic activity.”

    According to him, despite this increased exposure, fatalities declined by 2.4 per cent, meaning 132 lives were saved compared to 2024. The increase in injuries reflects higher crash occurrence alongside improved postcrash survival and rescue outcomes.

    Read Also: FRSC nabs 34 for traffic violations in Kebbi 

    “We therefore measure success not only by targets but by lives preserved. Enforcement and emergency response interventions are working, but they must now be intensified,” he said.

    While commending the media, the FRSC boss said the media remained a critical ally in the Corps national road safety agenda, serving as a bridge between policy, enforcement, and the motoring public.

    According to him, through your objective reportage and sustained advocacy, you help reinforce safe road use, promote accountability, and keep public attention firmly focused on the imperative of saving lives on our highways.

    Mohammed appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, strategic guidance, and policy backing extended to the FRSC over the past years.

    He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume for the strong institutional support and coordination that have enhanced the Corps operational effectiveness.

    “This collective support has been pivotal to the strengthening of the Corps’ capacity, professionalism, and resolve in the discharge of its statutory mandate,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • One dies, seven injured in Ibadan multiple-vehicle crash

    One dies, seven injured in Ibadan multiple-vehicle crash

    A yet-to-be-identified middle-aged woman has died following an early morning road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The crash, which occurred at the Iwo Road end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, also left no fewer than seven persons with varying degrees of injuries.

    At least three vehicles were involved in the accident, which sources attributed to brake failure. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified the vehicles as a red Nissan Micra with registration number MNY 539 XN, a white tanker truck, and a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BBS 863 XA.

    Read Also: FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    It was gathered that the driver of one of the vehicles lost control, triggering multiple collisions. 

    The deceased, who was a passenger in the Nissan Micra, reportedly died at the scene, while other occupants of the vehicle sustained serious injuries.

    Sources said the remains of the victim had been deposited at a morgue, while the injured were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The Nissan Micra was severely damaged in the crash.

    The FRSC in Oyo State confirmed the incident.

    The accident caused heavy traffic congestion, as motorists travelling towards Iwo Road from within and outside the state were stranded for hours before the wreckage was eventually cleared.

  • FRSC nabs 34 for traffic violations in Kebbi 

    FRSC nabs 34 for traffic violations in Kebbi 

     The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kebbi says it has apprehended 34 road traffic offenders in a special night patrol conducted to enforce traffic regulations and enhance safety on major roads.

    The Deputy Corps Commander of the FRSC, Musa Galadima, said in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the operation led to the arrest of 34 vehicles for various traffic offences.

    He explained that those apprehended comprised 24 motorcycles, seven vehicles and three tricycles, all booked for offences ranging from route violations to driving without functional lights.

    Read Also: FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    Galadima said the exercise was part of the corps’ statutory mandate to ensure sanity and safety on the roads, noting that the special intervention became necessary due to the rising cases of traffic violations in the state.

    “Many lives have been lost and several others have sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of these violations.

    “This informed our decision to embark on a special night patrol to nip the situation in the bud,” he said.

    Galadima commended Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi for his sustained logistical support to the FRSC, particularly the immediate removal of roadside obstructions and pavements upon assumption of office.

    The DCC also appealed to the general public, especially motorists and other road users, to cooperate with the corps in its efforts to ensure safer roads and reduce road traffic crashes across the state.

    (NAN)

  • FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists nationwide to exercise heightened patience following prevailing hazy weather conditions currently being experienced across several parts of the country.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the advice in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, made available on Monday in Abuja.

    Mohammed explained that the current weather condition had resulted in poor visibility and reduced clarity on major highways.

    He emphasised that the current dust haze, occasioned largely by seasonal atmospheric conditions, posed significant risks to road users, particularly drivers whose vision may be impaired while driving.

    He noted that reduced visibility under such conditions increase the likelihood of road traffic crashes.

    The FRSC boss however, emphasised the need for deliberate caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations.

    He said that hazy weather conditions and dust significantly reduced visibility and reaction time for drivers adding that, at such speeding becomes even more dangerous.

    He therefore appealed to all motorists to slow down, obey speed limits, and drive defensively to avoid preventable crashes.

    “In view of the prevailing reduced visibility conditions associated with the dust haze, we advise all motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations and adopt safe driving practices at all times.

    “Drivers are specifically urged to reduce speed and comply with prescribed speed limits, especially on highways affected by hazy conditions.

    Read Also: FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    “Maintain safe following distances to allow adequate reaction time; and ensure that headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are fully functional and used appropriately, even during daytime where visibility is impaired.

    “In addition to that, they are to avoid dangerous driving behaviours such as wrongful overtaking, over-speeding, and distracted driving; and ensure windscreens are clean and wipers are functional to enhance visibility,” he said.

    The corps marshal also appealed to drivers of commercial vehicles to prioritise passenger safety by avoiding unnecessary speed and ensuring full compliance with road safety regulations.

    The FRSC boss reiterated the corps commitment to safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads and assured the public that its patrol teams were on high alert to monitor traffic flow, enforce compliance, and provide prompt assistance where necessary.

    “Motorists are encouraged to cooperate with FRSC operatives and report emergencies through the corps’ toll-free emergency numbers, 122,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has rescued 17 victims from suspected child traffickers in Nyanya, Abuja.

    Spokesperson of the FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement said the traffickers were intercepted with the victims last Saturday by a patrol team from the Nyanya Unit Command, in a white Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU.

    He said preliminary investigation showed that the vehicle was travelling from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    Ogungbemide said the interception followed the alertness and professional judgment of the team, whom he said “observed an unusually high number of passengers, comprising 17 young boys and girls crammed into the vehicle, with two minors concealed in the vehicle’s boot.

    According to him, the situation raised suspicion of possible human trafficking.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, ordered that the rescued young persons be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia.

    “The CP directed a comprehensive investigation to dismantle any network connected to the suspected trafficking attempt,” Ogungbemide said.

    The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said rescue of the victims clearly demonstrates that the Corps was not only about traffic control, “but about saving lives in every sense of the word, as officers of the Corps are trained to be vigilant, humane, and responsive to suspicious movements on the highways.”

  • FRSC redeploys senior officers to key command units nationwide

    FRSC redeploys senior officers to key command units nationwide

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has redeployed some senior officers across key commands and formations across the country.

    According to a statement by the FRSC spokesperson, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the development was part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to “enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership oversight, and reposition critical expertise in line with prevailing road safety and administrative demands.”

    Those affected by the new development are: Deputy Corps Marshal Pauline Olaye, who is posted to the Department of Administration and Human Resources at the National Headquarters; Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Godwin Omiko, who now serves as ACM SDER at Headquarters.

    Others affected, according to the statement, are: ACM A. Sanusi, as Zonal Commanding Officer, RS1HQ Kaduna, and ACM M.O. Olonisaye, as Zonal Commander RS2HQ Lagos Zonal Command.

    Read Also: Bauchi records 50 road deaths, 468 injuries in three months – FRSC

    The new posting also affected ACM A. Umar, who will proceed on a course to National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS).

    Also affected are: ACM J.W. Toby and ACM E. Odiete, who now head RS11HQ Osogbo; ACM Y.A. Haruna as ACM Federal Operations; and ACM A.K. Odeleye-Oladayo, who transitions to RS8HQ Ilorin Zonal Command as the Zonal Commanding Officer.

    Similarly, ACM C.M. Onukwubiri is the new Corps Safety Engineering Officer at the National Headquarters, while at the Corps Commander level, CC F.A. Ogidan now serves as Corps Commander in charge of Command Administration and Strategy Officer.

    Additionally, AS Ibrahim and CC A.S. Ogungbemi served as Sector Commanders in Adamawa and Plateau States, respectively, while CC S.E. Dawulung is the Acting Corps Project Implementation Officer, and CC D.A. Bello now heads Special Marshals at the National Headquarters, Abuja

    According to the statement, all postings take immediate effect.

  • FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected trafficker in Abuja

    FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected trafficker in Abuja

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has rescued 17 victims from a suspected child trafficker along Nyanya, Abuja.

    Spokesperson of the FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to Ogungbemide, the traffickers were intercepted with the victims on Saturday, January 17, by a patrol team from the Nyanya Unit Command, inside a white Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU.

    He said preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    Ogungbemide said that the interception followed the alertness and professional judgment of the patrol team, who he said “observed an unusually high number of passengers, comprising 17 young boys and girls crammed into the vehicle, with two minors concealed in the vehicle’s boot.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates ex-FRSC corps marshal, Hananiya, at 84

    According to him, the situation immediately raised suspicion of possible human trafficking.

    “Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, ordered that the rescued young persons be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia.

    “The CP directed a comprehensive investigation to dismantle any network connected to the suspected trafficking attempt,” Ogungbemide said.

    The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said rescue of the victims clearly demonstrates that the Corps was not only about traffic control, “but about saving lives in every sense of the word, as officers of the Corps are trained to be vigilant, humane, and responsive to suspicious movements on the highways.”

  • Bauchi records 50 road deaths, 468 injuries in three months – FRSC

    Bauchi records 50 road deaths, 468 injuries in three months – FRSC

    At least 50 people have died in road crashes across Bauchi State in the last quarter of 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed.

    The Sector Commander, Apaji Boyi, who spoke with journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday, said a total of 76 crashes were documented between October and December, leaving 468 others injured, while 193 passengers escaped without injuries.

    Giving a monthly breakdown, Boyi explained that October 2025 recorded 10 crashes involving 77 people, resulting in 8 deaths and 58 injuries.

    November 2025 had 25 crashes with 201 persons involved. Fourteen of them died, and 144 sustained injuries.

    December 2025 was the worst month, with 41 crashes involving 433 occupants, leading to 28 deaths and 266 injuries.

    According to him, many of the incidents were linked to excessive speeding, wrongful overtaking, driver fatigue, overloading, and the unsafe practice of conveying passengers in trucks transporting goods.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Ex-FRSC Corps Marshal, Hananiya at 84

    He added that some motorists still travel with fuel stored in plastic containers, further endangering passengers.

    Boyi stressed that driver behaviour remains a major determinant of safety on Nigeria’s highways.

    He noted that several violations, including speeding, disregard for traffic rules, drug use, failure to use seat belts, and making calls while driving, continue to contribute to preventable crashes.

    He commended the Federal Government for supporting the Corps, urging motorists to maintain their vehicles, be patient on the road, and obey traffic regulations.

    The sector commander assured that the FRSC in Bauchi State will continue to engage in aggressive public enlightenment to improve road safety in the state.

  • The matter of carnage on our roads

    The matter of carnage on our roads

    • By Moshood Isamotu

    By the time the number of road crash fatalities that occurred across Nigeria during the 2025 year-end activities to date is finally computed, it will be gut-wrenching and blood-chilling. From Jigawa to Abakaliki, Omu-Ekiti, and Itu in Akwa Ibom State, and indeed across the country, it was as if the roads were seeking blood to quench their thirst like vampires. And they satisfied themselves with the blood of the young, the old, including the foetus. It was as if the god of the road was angry and moved its headquarters to Nigeria, turning the celebratory mood of ‘Detty December’ into a grief-stricken season for many families who had to celebrate the season of joy with the loss of loved ones.

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) reported in November 2025, while commencing the annual ‘Ember’ months road safety campaign, that between January and September 2025, 6,858 road crashes occurred, resulting in 3,433 deaths, and 22,162 injuries nationwide.

    While the road crash involving the global boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, with the loss of his two friends in a road crash dominated the media, however, hundreds of families suffered the same fate during the festivities, and now live with emotional ache and loss, which may never heal.

    The world over, road accidents remain the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 and 29, costing governments globally about 3% of GDP every year. Each year, globally, more than 1.3 million people die, and tens of millions are injured in road crashes. The World Bank disclosed that between 2015 and 2030, injuries resulting from road accidents are likely to cost the global economy US$1.8 trillion, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and emergency response.  Sadly, “Despite this massive – and largely preventable – human and economic toll,” the organization noted, “action to combat this global challenge has been insufficient.”

    Read Also: TETFund to share N6.452bn to 271 tertiary institutions under 2026 intervention

    The 2025 Africa Status Report on Road Safety reveals that, despite having only 3% of the global vehicle fleet, Africa accounts for 24% of global road fatalities with 259,601 deaths annually. Nigeria has a fair share of that figure.

    The Report puts Nigeria as having the second-highest road accident record in the world, and the highest in Africa. Nigeria is also said to have the highest road injury death rate (52.4 per 100,000 people) of any country globally. These rates are more than 15 times the death rates in Sweden, the UK, and the Netherlands, which have the lowest death rates globally from road accidents.

    Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety estimated road traffic fatalities in Nigeria at 39,802, while the rate per 100,000 deaths stood at 21.4. The organization noted that one out of every four road accidents in Africa emanated from Nigeria. Also, the record shows that the survival rate in Nigerian road accidents is a paltry 52%.

    For the Nigerian government, road accident is a major concern, and this has inspired some policy formulation and the creation of federal and sub-national agencies to manage road safety concerns. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been less impressive, given the current spate of road accidents.

    Road crashes are overwhelmingly caused by human error, as cited in over 90% of cases, with speeding, distraction (phones), drunk/impaired driving, and failing to look properly being top factors, while vehicle faults (brakes, tires) and environmental issues (road conditions) contribute much less, according to various global studies and transport authorities like WHO and Transport Scotland.

    FRSC also confirmed the global findings, noting that speed violations consistently rank as the top factor, accounting for over 50% of crashes, loss of control & dangerous driving as major contributors, often listed alongside speeding. Vehicle Factors: tyre burst (up to 54%), and faulty brakes (around 22.5%). It clearly stated that human error, broadly, over 90% of crashes stem from distracted driving, fatigue, and impaired judgment, according to general studies. Heavy-duty vehicles: overloaded trucks and heavy-duty vehicles are frequently cited risk factors, as noted in a 2024 FRSC data analysis.

    However, some nations have done well in their fight for safer roads through public safety campaigns extolling sticking to speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and not drinking and driving. Sweden is a good reference for road transportation safety globally. In 1997, Sweden introduced the Zero Vision policy that aimed to reduce the number of road accident fatalities to zero by 2020. To achieve this, the country implemented new road designs that involved the construction of more roundabouts, fewer intersections, and a reduction of vehicle turns where people cross streets, and strict enforcement of traffic laws. More pedestrian bridges were built, bicycles were separated from oncoming traffic, and strict policing led to the reduction of the number of drink-driving offences. From that initiative, road deaths have almost halved in Sweden. While Sweden’s progress looks dramatic, it however, struggled to meet its zero-road accident goal. The target date for zero death has been pushed back from 2020 to 2050.

    Today, the Swedish example has been held up as a model by many nations, such as Canada, Norway, various US states, and some European Union countries. It is suggested that if more nations can replicate Sweden’s template, many lives will be saved in road accidents globally.

    The long-standing road safety challenges in Nigeria are a public knowledge – excessive speeding and reckless overtaking, behavioural issues (distraction, fatigue, overloaded vehicles), poor road conditions, and unroadworthy vehicles. Like in the rest of the world, the constant culprit has been human error, which, in summary, is pinned to drivers’ recklessness and bad behaviour on the road.

    Experts have identified rigorous tests for Nigerian drivers, as is done in Europe, to stem the tide of avoidable road crashes. Issuance of a driver’s license should be based on proper certification, and its renewal should be based on the past driving experience of the driver. An uncertified driver on an expressway is a disaster in motion.

    Don’t drink and drive has been an age-long campaign for road safety. It is more relevant today than before. An unstable mind cannot deliver flawless driving. FRSC should randomly be able to stop vehicles on the expressway and test drivers for alcohol. A failed test should attract a severe penalty to send a signal to others. For sure, many Nigerian drivers will fail this test, and strict enforcement will be a significant step to control those deadly bad habits.

    The federal and state governments should also identify defective accident-prone spots nationwide and rectify them in phases, given a deadline. The losses incurred in those ugly spots over time are more than the cost of putting them in order.

    To complement that, an effective policy on towing of breakdown vehicles, especially in accident-prone areas, should be implemented by states. Babajide Fashola achieved this while he was Lagos State governor. For example, until a permanent solution is found, places like the notorious Otedola Bridge, exiting Lagos on the Ibadan Expressway, should have a standby functional fire service, tow and ambulance vehicles to handle emergencies.

    Special attention should also be directed to movements by long trucks in the metropolis. It is a death on wheels for trailers to carry unstrapped containers, competing for space with smaller vehicles. This has caused several fatalities and should be criminalized. Limiting the movement of trailers to the night period should be revisited and explored, too.

    Certification of roadworthiness of vehicles should be taken seriously without making a mess of it, as it is being done now, which is just an avenue to rake in revenue for governments. Having only fit vehicles on the roads will go a long way in preventing road crashes, and offenders should be sanctioned prohibitively.

    Over speeding is a great cause of accidents everywhere in the world, and any attempt to reduce road fatalities should prioritize its control. Deployment of technology facilities such as cameras and human resources for effective enforcement of over speeding on roads is very critical.

    The campaign for responsible behaviour on the road should be a culture that FRSC inculcates in the drivers and passengers, round be all year round and not just for the December season only.

    Nigerian commuters should be involved in safety consciousness on the road, as the FRSC’s December campaign sloganized. Passengers should be able to caution, report reckless drivers to security agencies on the road, which should attract stiff sanctions, or take mass action against any recalcitrant driver. Since only the passengers will be with the drivers all through the journey, for commercial buses, they should play the role of policing the drivers by keeping a watchful eye on the speedometer and dangerous manoeuvring. They should also sense when a driver is fatigued and needs some rest.

    In addition, passengers can also play a role in casual checking of the fitness of the vehicle parts, such as tyres, before boarding. They need to be active as the closest people at risk. Their silence can’t be golden when drivers are taking them to the undertakers.