The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revealed that 15 individuals lost their lives and 62 sustained injuries in various road accidents within Akwa Ibom State over the past 10 months.
Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo, State Sector Commander, Matthew Olonisaye, shared the sobering statistics while outlining plans for the upcoming West African Road Safety Week and World Day for Remembrance of Road Safety Victims.
Olonisaye underscored a noteworthy decrease in road accidents in 2023 in comparison to the previous year, which witnessed 28 fatalities and 164 injuries over a similar period. This reduction, he emphasized, aligns with FRSC’s mandate of achieving a 5% decrease in road crashes within the state.
During the briefing, he highlighted the significance of this period for the FRSC to commemorate those affected by road accidents, stating, “As part of the activities to mark this year’s day, we are going around the city to sensitise the public on the need to add value to their lives. We will visit the emergency departments of hospitals in the state to identify with the victims of road crashes and try to give them hope.”
Additionally, Olonisaye issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the safety of road users, particularly with the approaching Yuletide season.
Furthermore, he urged drivers to prioritize the maintenance of their vehicles, advocating for regular visits to the Ibom Computerised Vehicle Inspection Services (IBCVIS), a facility established by the state government aimed at diagnosing mechanical faults to curb road accidents.
This report serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety, urging all stakeholders to play their part in reducing the alarming frequency of road accidents within Akwa Ibom State.
