The truck rammed into a Honda Pilot SUV, a Nissan Primera car, and a Mazda bus, resulting in injuries to two individuals. The remaining five passengers were unhurt. The injured individuals were taken to Diamond Hospital in Ijako for treatment.
Temitope Oseni, the Owode-Ijako Unit Commander of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun, confirmed the incident and advised drivers to avoid excessive speeding during the Easter period. Ms Oseni also warned against reckless and dangerous driving, emphasising the need for road users to prioritise safety.
Traffic accidents are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in Nigeria, with many accidents attributed to driver error and negligence. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that 11, 758 road accidents occurred in 2020, resulting in 6, 835 injuries and 3, 947 deaths. This underscores the need for strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations and a renewed commitment to road safety by all road users.
The FRSC has implemented various measures to improve road safety, including the deployment of personnel to major highways, the introduction of speed limit devices, and the use of technology to monitor traffic flow. However, there is still a need for greater awareness among motorists on the importance of obeying traffic rules and regulations.
The National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2021-2030, launched by the FRSC, aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030. The strategy emphasises the need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to improve road safety.
The NRSS outlines several strategies, including the promotion of road safety education, the enhancement of infrastructure, and the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms. The strategy also advocates for the creation of a National Road Safety Fund to support the implementation of road safety initiatives.
In addition to these measures, there is a need for greater investment in public transport infrastructure, including the expansion of road networks and the provision of safe and efficient mass transit systems. This will help to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, and consequently, reduce the incidence of accidents.