The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, has organised a two-day capacity-building training for officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps Daura command.

Speaking at the event, the vice-chancellor of the university, Umar Adam-Katsayal, said the exercise was designed to equip participants with additional knowledge/skills and enhance their understanding of road safety, vehicle crash worthiness, and effective crash investigation techniques.

Mr. Adam-Katsayal also highlighted the critical role of road safety in preventing accidents, adding that the training intended to strengthen the officers’ existing knowledge to enhance safety on Nigerian roads.

He reiterated the need for training sessions to be interactive rather than one-sided, noting that active participation would enhance understanding and ultimately improve service delivery.

The vice-chancellor further commended the FRSC officers for giving the training all the necessary attention it deserved for enhanced safety on the nation’s roads.

In his presentation, the facilitator, Ibrahim Rafukka, who spoke on the fundamentals of road safety, explained that the FRSC’s primary responsibility is to prevent road traffic crashes across the country.

According to him, accident prevention depends largely on the interaction of three key elements: safe roads, safe vehicles, and responsible road users.

“Failure in any of these components could lead to crashes. Road accidents claim more lives than many diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hence the need for stronger preventive measures,” said Mr Rafukka.

Mr Rafukka identified environmental conditions, poor road infrastructure, human error, and mechanical faults in vehicles as major causes of road accidents.

He further highlighted the importance of vehicle safety systems such as seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems, and anti-lock braking systems in reducing crash-related fatalities.

The facilitator also identified poor helmet usage among motorcyclists, faulty vehicle components, and the absence of safety installations like truck underrun guards and road guardrails as challenges that often worsen the severity of accidents.

Mr Rafukka urged the FRSC to intensify enforcement, strengthen public awareness campaigns, and ensure strict vehicle inspections to reduce road crashes.

Speaking on the second day of the training, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, Wahab Akanni-Owokoniran, commended the university management for organising the programme.

He further congratulated the officers for benefiting from the training, noting that building the capacity of road safety personnel was an important step toward preventing accidents and saving lives.

Mr Owokoniran assured the FRSC and other security agencies in the state of the university’s continued commitment to supporting the welfare of its host communities as part of its community service mandate.

(NAN)