The Federal Road Safety Corps says it recorded 97 road crashes in Anambra State involving 820 persons and 35 lost their lives and injured 270 between January and November.

Sector Commander, FRSC in the state, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, gave the statistics at an end-of-the-year media parley and award ceremony on Saturday in Awka.

Mr Irelewuyi said the statistics showed significant improvement and reduction compared to the records of 2022, attributing it to media awareness. 

“Looking at our activities from January to November 30, we recorded 97 road crashes which involved 820 persons, 25 of the crashes were fatal, claiming the lives of 35 persons and 270 persons were injured.

“There is a significant reduction compared with the 2022 record where we recorded 132 road crashes involving 1,048 persons, 42 of which were fatal, claiming the lives of 64 persons and injuring 306 others. We also arrested 1,953 offenders in 2,119 offences and impounded 332 vehicles.

“This also shows an improvement on the 2022 figures when we recorded 1,381 offenders arrested from 1,493 offences and impounded 382 vehicles,” he said.

The sector commander said the corps would commence Operation Zero Tolerance to road traffic crashes, from December 15 to January 15, 2024, to ensure a free flow of traffic during the Yuletide.

Mr Irelewuyi said 1,000 personnel, including regular and special marshals would be deployed across the state to ensure robust traffic management, enforcement and control.

He said the operation would be carried out in partnership with sister agencies, the media, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State ministry of transport and the traffic management agency.

“We are discussing with the Federal Ministry of Works the possibility of some emergency repairs of critical portions of the expressway along the Onitsha-Owerri road, Bridge head and other points.

“We received the delivery of a brand new 70-ton tow truck (Juggernaut) from our national headquarters to ensure prompt response and removal of obstructions as well as reduce gridlock.

“These are part of our strategies to ensure safe travels within Anambra during this season. We urge motorists to drive safely to arrive alive and to remember that only the living celebrate,” he stated. 

(NAN)