The Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, said on Monday that the agency’s records indicated that 416 accidents occurred in eight months during night driving.
Ogungbemide spoke during a media conference held in Lagos.
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The conference came following the increasing rate of road traffic crashes due to recklessness and other factors on the part of drivers. He said the 416 crashes were recorded between 6.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m from January to August.
The official said there was the need for motorists to take caution while planning their journeys in the night.
He said: “Our crash reports within the period show that a total of 416 crashes were recorded, in which 705 people were involved.
“Out of the 705 people involved in various crashes within the period under review, 558 were seriously injured and 97 lost their lives.
“The Federal Road Safety under the leadership of Acting Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu will continue demonstrating its commitment to mitigating rate and fatalities of road traffic crashes.”
Ogungbemide said the corps had already enunciated the policy of discouraging night travel through public sensitisation programmes.
He said the record of crashes had raised alarm that more needed to be done in reaching the critical audience and achieving the goals.
Ogungbemide said the FRSC also faced challenges with rescue operations at night.
He said the possibility of victims accessing proper medical attention could be lower at such period due to various factors.
He said the corps had to align with the United Nations General Assembly’s appeals on the actions against the menace.
Ogungbemide urged institutions, individuals and organisations to join the road safety lead agency in actualising the goal. NAN
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