The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over the alarming statistics indicating that a total of 432 people have lost their lives, while 2,070 individuals have sustained injuries in serious road accidents across the country over the past year.
This statement was made by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, during a news conference on Monday to launch the 2025 ‘Ember Months’ public awareness and sensitization campaign on road safety.
Represented by the Sector Commander of the Bauchi Sector Command of the FRSC, CC Apaji Danladi Boyi, the Corps Marshall explained that, the figure was as a result of 533 reported cases of auto crashes that took place between January 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025 across the country.
Shehu Mohammed said that some of the major causes of those crashes were drivers fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers.
While emphasising that drivers behaviours were a fundamental element in determining safety on highways, he said that some road traffic infringements by drivers responsible for the previous road crash records included speed limit violations.
According to him, ‘These infringements also include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations as well as using of phones while driving among others.’
He added that, ‘Therefore, the choice of the 2025 end-of-year campaign with the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Your Safety’ was deliberate and well thought out.’
The Corps Marshal stressed that, ‘It was carefully chosen to address road traffic infringements by drivers which were largely responsible for the previous road crash records.’
‘In line with our commitment to achieve the desired outcome of the 2025 end of year campaign, FRSC has deployed personnel and Special Marshals across major highways and crash-prone corridors nationwide,’ he said.
The Corps Marshal added that the Corps would also be embarking on free-vehicle check exercise to improve vehicle road worthiness, conducting motor park rallies and motorcar carnivals nationwide to raise awareness level of motorists and the general public.
Shehu Mohammed, who said that the Federal Government’s support had been responsible for the modest achievement of the FRSC over the years, appreciated the government for its advisory oversight.
He called on all and sundry to continue to support the Corps as it strives to create a safer motoring environment for the nation.