Eighty-two road crashes were recorded in Akwa Ibom State in 2021 as against 93 recorded in 2020, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said.

“Comparatively, a total number of 82 road crashes were recorded in 2021 as against 93 recorded in 2020 in the state,” sector commander of the corps in the state, Matthew Olonisaye, said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Olonisaye attributed the clashes to speed related issues, tyre bust, brake failure, wrongful overtaking, and dangerous driving.

According to him, while evaluating  the corps activities in 2021 and how they fared in the state with respect to traffic safety, it was discovered that most of the causative factors to the crashes experienced were speed related.

He said that although management of speed had remained one of the biggest challenges facing road safety practitioners nationwide,  it called  for concerted response and efforts.

“However, drivers must realise the dangers associated with speeding which include losing control of the vehicle and reducing the driver’s reaction time.

“Reducing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s occupant-protection features, increasing the amount of distance needed to safely stop a vehicle, increasing the severity of an auto crash and the resulting damage and injuries.

“Increase fatality among others. On this premise, the corps warned motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators against flouting the law on use of speed limiting devices in their vehicles,” he added.

The sector commander urged drivers to include a safe driving culture as part of their new year resolutions to reduce crashes on the road.

He also advised drivers to ensure they obtain or renew their driver’s licence, vehicle documents and adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

“The conduct of some drivers  at  Christmas and new year celebrations which made the rate and fatalities of road traffic crashes manageable,  is also commendable,” he added.

(NAN)