The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says at least 5,081 people were killed in road traffic crashes (RTCs) in 2023 nationwide as against 6,456 in 2022.

During a media briefing to mark the end of the corps’ Operation Zero Tolerance on Monday in Abuja, the corps marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu, said the figure represented a 21 per cent reduction.

Mr Ali-Biu said that adopting a comprehensive approach by the corps led to the 21 per cent reduction in RTCs.

According to him, from January to December 2023, the corps ensured upward mobility in mobilising human and material resources to achieve maximum impact.

“On annual performance, from January to December 2023, the corps recorded a tremendous reduction in road crashes, fatalities, as well as injuries when compared to the data obtained in 2022.

“From January 1 to December 31, 2023, a total of 10,617 RTCs were recorded across the country,” the FRSC boss said.

This figure is against 13,656 in 2022, representing a 22 per cent decrease.

“Also, 2023 records reveal that 5,081 people were killed against 6,456 in 2022, representing a 21 per cent reduction, while 31,874 victims got injured in 2023, against 38,930 in the year 2022, signifying an 18.1 per cent decrease,” he said.

Despite the decrease, the FRSC boss said the figure of RTCs and attendant fatalities was unacceptably high.

”These crashes and fatalities in 2023 are not acceptable because the worrisome situation and the ugly trend must be reversed in 2024 and beyond,” he stated.

Mr Biu said travellers must avoid excessive speed, night trips, unhealthy driving behaviours and night driving.

“Travelling at night is a risk factor to all road users, and this must be avoided to save lives,” the corps marshal said.

On enforcement of traffic offences, Mr Ali-Biu said 1,159 motorists were convicted in 93 special mobile court sessions conducted nationwide.

“Out of these sessions, 1,303 traffic offenders were arraigned, 1,159 convicted, and 144 discharged and acquitted.

“The corps also recorded a big boost in its routine enforcement, having arrested during the 2023 exercise, a total of 29,220 as against 21,899 in the same period in 2022, representing a 33 per cent increase.

“These offenders were apprehended for committing 33,892 offences in 2023 against 25,401 in the same period in 2022, which signifies a 33% increase as well,” he said. 

(NAN)