The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that over 40,000 Nigerian citizens lose their lives annually in road traffic crashes. Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dauda Biu, made this revelation during the 7th United Nations Global Road Safety Week held recently in Abuja. He requested urgent action by the government and partners to stem the tide of these avoidable tragedies.
Biu described the Road Traffic Crashes and injuries as a major cause of death and disability in Nigeria, stating that the country ranked poorly when compared to other nations. Globally, he noted that as many as 1.3 million people died yearly, while 50 million more sustain injuries from Road Traffic Crashes. He expressed concern that individuals between the ages of 5-29 were more at risk, with one in four fatalities occurring among pedestrians and cyclists.
Biu added that the United Nations had come up with a plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which includes an ambitious target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by half within a decade. He informed guests that the 2023 edition of the Global Road Safety Week would have the theme “Sustainable Transport.”
The Corps Marshal disclosed that the FRSC had partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Injury Prevention (UNDARSIP) for activities to mark the event. He urged all to take appropriate measures to ensure safe roads, vehicles, and behaviours, as well as improve emergency care.
The theme for this year’s Global Road Safety Week is #RethinkMobility, emphasizing the need to shift toward cycling, walking, and using public transportation. Biu called for immediate action by all stakeholders, including governments and their partners, to introduce a rethink of mobility systems, taking vulnerable road users into consideration by implementing safe and accessible road networks. He noted that this would create livable cities that cater to the mobility needs of everyone, leading to good health, sustainable cities and a fairer society.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, the Focal Person/Country representative of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, applauded the Nigerian government for prioritizing the issue of road safety. He stated that Nigeria was one of five states globally chosen for a cycling project implementation to encourage cycling, and added that Abuja had been picked for the scheme. “We will not relent in our efforts,” he assured Nigerians.
The FRSC’s revelation emphasizes the importance of safety on the roads and the need for all to be conscious of safe driving and commuting practices. It is expected that the government and relevant agencies will work steadfastly to tame the rising cases of road accidents and its irreversible consequences.
