On Thursday, the Ondo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it succeeded in reducing road crashes by 4.6 per cent in the state from January to September 2023.

Ezekiel SonAllah, FRSC sector commander in the state, disclosed this at a news conference to commemorate 2023 African Road Safety Day And World Day Of Remembrance For Road Traffic Victims.

The theme of the programme held in Akure was “Justice Slogan: Remember Support Act”.

Mr SonAllah explained that the reduction in road traffic crashes was achieved through the enlightenment and advocacy programmes embarked on by the command.

He said the command would not relent on its oaths to protect lives and properties on highways.

“In 2022, between January and September, 237 total crashes were recorded, while 226 were recorded in 2023 with a 4.6 per cent decrease.

“In the same months under review, 746 casualties were recorded in 2022 and 657 in 2023 with 11.9 per cent decrease, and 1,769 people were involved in crashes in 2022 while 1,297 involved in 2023 with a 26.7 per cent decrease.

“During the same period, 97 people were killed in 2022, while 116 were killed in 2023, which shows a 19.59 per cent increase. Also, 649 people were injured in 2022, while 541 were injured in 2023, with a 16.6 per cent decrease,” he said.

Mr SonAllah said the annual remembrance day programme promotes evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries.

He said the command would continue to deploy its personnel and logistics to man the highways across the state.

The sector commander said the command would aggressively enforce critical offences of overloading, speed limit violation and cell phone use while driving.

The sector commander charged motorists to ensure their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on any journey, especially during the festive seasons.

(NAN)