Lagos records 434 road crashes in the first half of the year

About 434 road traffic crashes were recorded in the first half of the year 2018 (January–June 2018) along the Lagos axis. ACM John B. Meheux, the Zonal Commanding Officer R2, Lagos disclosed this at a sensitization rally at the New Garage Motor Park, Ojota, Lagos.

The rally which focused on the “Rainy Season Hazards and Drugged Driving” was organized in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State branch.

ACM John Meheux said considering the fact that the rainy season was intensifying in the month of July, it was important to engage the drivers on the best approach to driving, that will see them avoid crashes and deaths.

According to him “While driving in the rains has its challenges, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is another major challenge for the drivers in the Lagos axis”.

“My expectation of drivers and others who came into Lagos is that at the end of this rally we will not only have drivers, who have heard about the hazards/danger but drivers who will say never again to drugs, and very proficient in driving in the rains”.

He made a strong case for drivers to have good rest, good sleep, and good eyesight with regular medical check-ups before embarking on journeys.

The FRSC Zonal Commander called on the drivers plying the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to be cautious as the construction firms are working to keep the roads safe.

Meheux reminded the drivers that the Third Mainland Bridge, the longest in Nigeria will be closed to traffic for three days from July 27th, 2018 for investigative works. He assured them that FRSC will inform them of the alternative routes to use during the period.

Other statistics released by ACM Meheux include;

– Total fatal crashes-117

– Total of serious road crashes-237,

– Number of people injured-1,363

– Number of people killed- 215

– Total number of persons involved- 3,696

The Sector Commander FRSC Lagos Corp Marshall H.U. Omeje in his session charged the Drivers to check their wipers, inner light, watch their speed level and tyres during the rainy season.

Omeje tasked the Drivers on placing value for safety over speed in the rainy season, which was critical to reducing the levels of road crashes in the period.

The FRSC R2 Zonal Rally was attended by the NURTW Vice-Chairman Mr. Olawale Ajilo alongside other road transport union leaders.

Credit: Proshare