Awka, Anambra State (Nigeria):The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported a troubling rise in road traffic incidents across Anambra State, recording 57 crashes and 21 fatalities within the past 10 months.
Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, State Sector Commander, FRSC, disclosed this on Monday in Anambra during a news conference to flag-off 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and sensitisation.
The campaign had the theme – ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’.
Asekhauno said speeding was the leading cause of the crashes in the state.
She said the command had outlined various activities for the ‘ember’ months, including a motorcade rally and town hall meetings.
According to her, the activities will intensify road safety awareness among drivers, commuters and other stakeholders.
“We will be having motorcade rallies across the state, especially in parks, to sensitise road users and drivers to take responsibility for their safety by avoiding distracted driving.
“We will also hold town-hall meetings with drivers, transport unions and other traffic agencies to ensure we are all on the same page regarding safety practices,” she said.
The sector commander added that FRSC personnel would undergo regular training and retraining to maintain discipline and professionalism.
Asekhauno, who delivered an address by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, said the choice of the 2025 campaign theme was to tackle traffic violations responsible for previous crash records.
According to her, the 2024 ‘Operation Zero’ campaign, which held between December 15, 2024 and Jan. 15, 2025, recorded 533 crashes, resulting in 432 deaths and 2,070 injuries.
She identified the major causes of those incidents to include driver fatigue, overloading, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles and carrying fuel in plastic containers.
“Apparently, driver behaviour remains a fundamental factor in determining safety on our highways.
“This year’s theme reinforces the view that human factors are largely responsible for crashes on our roads, ” she said.
The sector commander described ember months as a period of increased travel and traffic volume, often leading to a rise in road crash injuries and fatalities.
Asekhauno commended the media for its consistent support in promoting road safety campaigns and pledged continued collaboration.
“Your platforms have consistently amplified our voices, thereby improving road safety awareness in Nigeria,” she added.