The Kwara State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported a decline in road traffic incidents in 2023. Stephen Dawulung, the Sector Commander, revealed in a statement in Ilorin that the command managed to decrease road traffic accidents from 348 in 2022 to 307 in 2023, marking an 11.78% reduction. Fatality figures also decreased from 231 in 2022 to 196 in 2023, representing a 15.15% drop.
According to Olayinka Basambo, the command’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Dawulung credited this achievement to the dedication and determination of the command’s officers and personnel pursuing Goal 1 of the 2023 FRSC Corporate Strategic Goals, aiming for a 5% reduction in Road Traffic Deaths.
Dawulung highlighted that in December 2023, road traffic crash numbers decreased to 26 from 41 recorded in December 2022, marking a 36.58% decrease. Additionally, fatalities reduced from 14 in December 2022 to 11 in December 2023, indicating a 21.43% decline.
He emphasized that the “Operations Zero Tolerance” End-of-Year Special Patrol Operations, launched from December 15, 2023, until January 15, 2024, played a pivotal role in curbing road traffic incidents and deaths in Kwara State, especially during the Yuletide and New Year period.
This operation involved increased deployment of personnel and equipment, establishment of Help Areas for prompt response to road traffic incidents, and other measures aimed at managing the surge in vehicular traffic.
The sector commander, asserted that “the command had also developed a plan for the execution of its mandate in Kwara State during 2024, to include the deepening of its enforcement against road traffic crash/fatality high risk factors such as speed, non use of seatbelt and child restraint, non use of crash helmets, use of phone while driving and drunk driving amongst others.
“Sensitisation of the motoring public will also be heightened as a key instrument in the reorientation of road users towards safer road Traffic practices,” he added.
He said the command will also leverage on the subsisting collaboration with our stakeholders including the media in promoting road safety practices.
Reiterating the readiness and commitment of the officers and men of the Kwara state sector command towards ensuring a safe motoring environment in the state in 2024, Dawulung advised road users and drivers in particular to always adhere to road traffic regulations as measure to avoid road traffic crashes.
