HUMAN ERROR MAJOR CAUSE OF ROAD CRASHES IN NIGERIA – FRSC… AS COMMAND SEEKS MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
By Uche Kalu :
The Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command, Joyce Nnenna Alexander has stressed that human error is a significant contributor to road crashes in Nigeria, accounting for up to 80% of incidents. Alexander made this assertion during a one-day training program organized by the command for Anambra journalists on March 6, 2025, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre in Awka.
Joyce Alexander identified various factors responsible for road crashes, echoing research that suggests human, mechanical and environmental factors as responsible for road crashes especially in Anambra State, stressing that such human factors as over speeding, tiredness, making or answering phone calls, use of alcohol, over confidence in ones driving skills as well as unmindful attitude towards use of seat belt.
According to the Corps Commander, mechanical factors contributing to road crashes included; distractions while driving, failure to check essential vehicle systems, such as wipers, lighting, and headlamps; disregard for traffic codes and regulations, poor vehicle maintenance, ignorance of safe trekking spaces, neglecting routine checks, such as morning parade inspections for water and oil levels
“A vehicle must be fit before hitting the road. For a vehicle to be fit, it must always have spare parts like valid documents, functional wipers, tyres,clear mirror, etc,” Alexander explained.
Joyce Alexander also emphasized the significance of environmental factors, citing potholes and driving during rainfall as major concerns, stressing the importance of exercising caution during heavy rain, as it can lead to collapsed bridges and other hazards. Additionally, Alexander urged drivers to manage their emotions effectively, warning that failure to do so can lead to reckless behavior behind the wheel, adding, “driving thrills but it kills.”
The Corps Chief emphasized that the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) primary objective is to ensure road safety and reduce accidents by 10% annually, aligning with the global target of 50% reduction by 2030 set by the world transport regulatory body. To achieve this goal, the Corps Chief underscored the importance of collaboration with the media, recognizing that effective partnership with the Fourth Estate is crucial to the FRSC’s success.
The state Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, expressed gratitude to the FRSC Command for organizing the training. He emphasized the significance of the exercise, noting that it would have a profound impact on media practitioners in the state and, by extension, the general public through enhanced reportage.
Odogwu assured that the lessons learned from the training would benefit not only the journalists but also the public, who would gain from more informed and responsible reporting.
The highlight of the event was the media training, expertly facilitated by the FRSC Sector Training Officers, Deputy Corps Commander Caroline Adaora Olise and Chief Route Commander Reginald Iheanacho Irechukwu bringing their wealth of knowledge and experience to the training.
* Kalu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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