The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed that 13 people lost their lives in road accidents across Edo State in November 2024. This information was shared by the Sector Commander, Cyril Mathew, during a press briefing in Benin City on Sunday.
Accidents and Violations
Mathew disclosed that the fatalities resulted from multiple accidents in different parts of the state during the month. Alongside the 13 deaths, 76 people sustained injuries. Furthermore, 1,524 drivers were apprehended for violating various traffic rules.
He identified the primary causes of the accidents as:
Brake failure
Overspeeding
Reckless driving
Using mobile phones while driving
Other contributing factors included driving on the wrong route and neglecting basic traffic regulations.
Traffic Violations and Penalties
The 1,524 arrested drivers faced charges for offenses like:
Not having a fire extinguisher
Failing to install speed-limiting devices
Using worn-out or unsuitable tires
Ignoring seat belt laws
Overloading vehicles
Driving against traffic
Using phones while driving
All offenders were taken to mobile courts, where they were fined based on the severity of their violations.
FRSC’s Warning to Motorists
The FRSC commander warned motorists against dangerous behaviors, such as overspeeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, nighttime driving, and using mobile phones while driving. Mathew emphasized that these actions are major causes of road accidents and threaten the safety of everyone on the road.
Separate Tragedy in Jigawa State
In a related incident, a tragic accident occurred near Tage Bridge in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, two weeks ago. A passenger vehicle crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with bodies scattered across the area.
Public Reactions
The reports of these accidents have sparked strong reactions from Nigerians:
"It’s heartbreaking to lose so many lives due to preventable mistakes. Drivers need to be more careful," a concerned citizen said.
Another person remarked, "The FRSC should intensify efforts to educate motorists and enforce traffic laws."
Others suggested stricter penalties for offenders. One commenter stated, "Fines alone won’t stop reckless driving. There should be mandatory training and license suspensions for violators."
Meanwhile, some citizens urged road users to prioritize safety. "Everyone has a role to play. Passengers should speak up when drivers overspeed or break rules," one observer noted.
A Call for Action
The FRSC’s report is a sobering reminder of the dangers on Nigeria’s roads. Stakeholders, including drivers, passengers, and law enforcement agencies, must collaborate to reduce accidents and save lives.
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