The Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Assistant Corps marshal Mr. John Meheux says 215 people died between January to June this year by road accidents.
The zonal commander who gave the figure at this year sensitization rally at the Ojota New Garage in Lagos said, the corps recorded 434 accidents with 1,363 persons injured, serious injury put at 237.
He said the FRSC was committed to reducing to the barest the accident rate as the number for the first half of the year 2018 in both Lagos and Ogun was scary.
According to him, the rally was to draw the attention of drivers of the dangers pose by the rainy season as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The rainy season is a special season as its second only to the ember months characterized by flooding, slippery road surfaces, poor visibility, fallen trees etc, sometime leading to crashes/damage to properties”.
Meheux appealed to the drivers to use the occasion to remind themselves of what was expected of them to save their own lives and that of their passengers.
” we must as drivers learn to have rest, good sleep and a good eye sight, go regularly for medical checks before embarking on journeys”.
Sector Commander, Lagos state, Mr. Hyginus Omeje charged the drivers to always check their vehicles before embarking on journeys, adding that when there is heavy rains, it is better for drivers to park and allow the rains to subside to avoid anything on toward.
Omeje said,” make sure your wiper is working, when there is flood reduce your speedy , use common sense limit based on the circumstance you find yourself at that time”.
“Check your head and rear lights, your tyre, brakes, tap it always to ensure its still working, check the vent in the vehicles, make sure its working”, he added.
The Lagos state FRSC sector commander also urged drivers to also maintain a certain distance from other cars to help them maneuver in the event of any problem and to avoid drinking before driving.
” I know because of the rainy, some of you will want to take a short to keep your body warm because of the cold, please do not drink at all”.
Deputy Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, comrade Olawale Ajulo who spoke to the drivers in yoruba language beg the drivers to adhere strictly to traffic rules, harping on the use of wiper and ensuring their vehicles are in good condition.
The event witnessed medical checks, demonstration in the use of breathalyzers and pledge from the drivers to do as directed.
The theme of the rally is Rainy season and drugged driving:Threat to safety on our roads
