Akwa-Ibom Road Safety commander Matthew Olonisaye said two persons died, and 10 others were injured in a fatal road crash in the state on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Olonisaye said the crash on Abak – Ikot Abasi Road by Oku – Abak involved two vehicles.

“It was discovered that the crash involved two vehicles – Toyota Hiace bus (KMR 201 XA), belonging to a transport company and Honda Accord car (NGD 228 AE) all with 18 occupants, out of which 10 got injured while two died in the process,” he said.

He said the accident resulted from dangerous overtaking and eventual loss of control.

“According to a witness, the victims were immediately taken to a nearby clinic, while the road was cleared of obstructions to enable free-flow of traffic,” Mr Olonisaye said.

He described the crash as unfortunate, as it could have been avoided if the drivers had been conscious and sensitive enough to understand the intricate nature of night driving, especially during this rainy season.

The FRSC boss urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles were in order before they put them on the road to avoid road crashes, especially during the rainy season.

He charged drivers to be more careful when travelling during the season, on night travels and on roads not well known to avoid crashes.

“During nighttime driving, lower beams and keep your headlamps properly adjusted/focused, avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming vehicles and slow down when facing glare from headlights.

“Driving in the rain, reduce speed to enhance firm control, increase distance, keep headlamps on to see and be seen, and use wipers, heater or ACs as appropriate.

“Driving on a busy road, be careful to obey speed limits, be alert to pedestrians stepping into traffic.”

He also cautioned those driving under the sun glare to reduce speed for better vision and reaction, using sun visors or sunglasses if necessary.

“Driving in unfamiliar or on bad roads, be alert to traffic signs, signals and markings communicating certain road characteristics/features, obey applicable speed limits, reduce speed or apply common sense speed limit,” he advised. 

(NAN)