The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has expressed deep concern over the alarming number of road traffic crashes (RTCs) that claimed 53 lives and left 244 people injured in the first quarter of 2025.
This was disclosed by the State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, during the 8th United Nations Road Safety Week held in Akure.
The event, themed “Streets for Life – Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe,” aimed to promote safer mobility practices.
Dr. Ibitoye revealed that a total of 94 crashes were recorded within the three-month period, an increase from the 74 crashes, 33 deaths, and 237 injuries recorded during the same timeframe in 2024.
He identified major causes of the accidents as speeding, reckless driving, fatigue, overloading, bad road conditions, mechanical failures, and driver impatience, emphasizing the urgent need for a change in road user behavior.
“Among the fatalities were 39 adult males, 13 adult females, and one female child. These figures are not only distressing but also call for immediate action by all stakeholders,” he said.
The Sector Commander stressed the shared responsibility of road users, government officials, policymakers, engineers, and civil society groups in curbing the rising incidents of road crashes.
He urged a collective rethinking of attitudes and practices around road usage.
He further called on motorists, especially commercial drivers, to avoid dangerous habits such as drunk driving, over-speeding, and road rage, noting that these behaviors significantly contribute to road accidents.
Dr. Ibitoye commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and transport systems in the state.
He also appealed to contractors handling road construction and rehabilitation to integrate cycling lanes and walkways into their designs.
“This will encourage non-motorised transport, ease traffic congestion, promote healthier lifestyles, lower carbon emissions, and support environmental protection,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kareem Tajudeen, Deputy Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Mr. Adeniyi Oyedapo, Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), applauded the FRSC for its efforts.
They affirmed that their unions continue to educate drivers on vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices to prevent accidents.
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