The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says there has been a 53 per cent reduction in the number of people killed in road traffic crashes during the 2023 Eid-El-Kabir compared to the same period in 2022.

The corps’ spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, said on Wednesday in Abuja that the reduction followed intensive special patrol operations nationwide from June 26 to July 1, 2023.

The corps also announced a 25 per cent reduction in the number of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) and a 43 per cent reduction in the number of those injured out of the 522 people involved in the crashes.

Mr Kazeem attributed the low figures to what he termed as “the corps’ rejigged operational tactics towards creating a safer motoring environment in Nigeria”.

“In the special patrol operation that lasted for six days, the corps recorded a total of 88 RTCs as against 118 of the same period in 2022, representing a 25 per cent reduction.

“In the same vein, a total of 38 people were killed, against 88 in the previous year representing a 53 per cent decrease.

“Also, 211 people got injured in 2023 against 373 in 2022 representing a 43 per cent decrease,” he said.

Mr Kazeem said the corps rescued 273 victims without injuries in 2023, as against 347 in the same period in 2022. 

He added that 4,116 traffic offenders were apprehended over 4,682 offences committed across 2,053 routes covered by the corps.

“There was also wider coverage of the national road network due to the establishment of more FRSC commands, outposts, roadside clinics and Zebra points, among others,” he said.

In reaction to the report of the special patrol operations, the FRSC corps marshal, Dauda Biu, expressed delight over the successes recorded and pledged that the corps would sustain the tempo to enhance safety on all roads.

He urged the motoring public to be disciplined, practise safe road use culture, and cooperate with FRSC personnel and other highway traffic law enforcers.

(NAN)