The Federal Road Safety Corps has tasked vehicle owners on taking safety measures and responsible driving practices.

Reacting to the fatal crash that occurred in Mairuwa village, on the Funtua-Sokoto road, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said that the incident could have been avoided.

In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja, Mr Mohammed attributed the crash to poor vehicle maintenance, speeding, and disregard for traffic regulations.

The fatal crash involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number MRR 83 XA loaded with passengers from Kano and had a tyre burst in Mairuwa village, Katsina State.

The driver rammed head-on onto a Sino Truck belonging to Dangote Group.

He said, “If the driver had observed established legal speed limits, ensured adequate vehicle maintenance and complied with traffic regulations the crash would have been avoided.’’

The FRSC boss cited instances of how bad driving behaviours led to avoidable road crashes in recent times emphasising that if drivers did the right thing, issues relating to crashes and fatalities would be a thing of the past in Nigeria.

He added that the enormous responsibility of keeping the roads safe rests on the shoulders of everyone.

He said that drivers must adhere to established speed limits, ensure regular vehicle maintenance, and comply with traffic regulations to prevent such crashes.

He stated, “The responsibility of keeping roads safe rests on everyone’s shoulders. By doing the right thing, Nigeria can eliminate road crashes and fatalities. The report of rescue operations conducted indicates that a total of 28 people were involved: 23 male adults, one female adult, one male child, and three female children. From the number, 13 victims comprising 11 male adults, one female adult, and one male child were rescued with varying degrees of injuries. Fifteen victims comprising 11 male adults, one female adult and three female children were killed. Most of the casualties are passengers on the bus. This incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving practices in Nigeria.’’

The FRSC corps marshal however, said that rescued victims have been taken to Funtua General Hospital, Katsina for immediate medical attention

The FRSC boss called on transport unions, fleet operators and other vehicle owners to sensitise their drivers to the imperatives of ensuring routine and regular maintenance of their vehicles.

Mr Mohammed also urged other relevant stakeholders to prioritise road safety and work together to reduce road traffic crashes on Nigerian roads.

(NAN)