The acting corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Biu, says at least 412 people were killed in reported cases of road traffic crashes in Lagos from January to October.

Mr Biu, represented by the Lagos corps commander, FRSC, Olusegun Ogungbemide, gave the figure at a programme on the 2022 World Day Remembrance For Road Victims, themed “Justice”, with the slogan “Remember, Support, Act”.

He said 522 people were seriously injured in 520 reported road traffic crashes recorded in Lagos State in 10 months.

Mr Biu said investigations in Lagos revealed inappropriate speeding, equipment failures, loss of control, fatigue, and aggressive driving as the leading proximate causal elements in most crashes.

“It is apposite to say that Lagos-Ibadan and Lekki-Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway recorded the highest fatalities during the period with unfortunate revelations that these crashes occurred along the good stretches of the road and at night,” Mr Biu said.

He said the attitudinal change was important in the search for improved, safer roads.

The acting corps marshal said there was a need to cooperate on institutional levels towards the epidemic called toad crashes.

He said self-accountability and responsibility while on the road should take the better place for every road user.

Mr Biu said that on August 17, 1896, the world recorded the first motor collision fatality in Crystal Palace, London.

He said that according to the United Nations (2020), approximately 135 million people’s lives are cut short due to road traffic crashes every year.

He said between 20-50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring permanent disabilities.

Mr Biu commended the efforts of all the Non-Governmental Organisations, community leaders and government organisations that had been working tirelessly with corps to see the mission accomplished.

He pledged the FRSC’s commitment towards the goal of creating a safer motoring environment in the country.

He sought the continuous support of Nigerians, describing the achievement of road safety as a shared responsibility.

(NAN)