The Ogun command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 208 persons died in 707 road crashes within the last 10 months. At least 1,000 people were wounded.

On Tuesday, the FRSC commander in Ogun, Anthony Uga, said this at the sensitisation of the ember month’s campaign in the Ota Unit.

Mr Uga said 1,174 people were wounded in the automobile crashes. The sector commander noted that most of the crashes during the review period were caused by speeding and occurred at night.

“We are appealing to motorists to desist from speeding and refrain from night travel to stem road crashes during the ember months. In addition, they should adhere to traffic rules and regulations, drive consciously and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on any trip,” he said.

Mr Uga said the mission of the FRSC was to drastically fatality rates of road crashes.

The sector commander, however, said the FRSC would collaborate with other sister agencies to stem accidents because road safety was a collective responsibility.

In his welcome address, Akeem Ganiyu, FRSC unit commander in Ogun, said it was imperative to come together with other agencies due to the increase in vehicular activities during the period.

Mr Ganiyu said the increase in vehicular movement sometimes resulted in road crashes.

“The allure of speed on open roads can be tempting, but the consequences can be catastrophic, and there is the need to exercise patience and drive consciously,” he said.

The unit commander implored motorists against overloading as overloaded vehicles compromised their stability and increased the risk of crashes.

Mr Ganiyu implored motorists to be ambassadors of responsible driving by embracing this year’s theme, adding that road crashes could significantly reduce to create a safer, more harmonious society for all.

Seni Ogunyemi, the deputy commander of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Ogun-West, said human errors caused most crashes.

Mr Ogunyemi cautioned motorists against one-way and dangerous driving that could lead to unnecessary loss of lives.

(NAN)