The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has tasked vehicle owners with taking safety measures and driving responsibly.
This is against the backdrop of a fatal crash that occurred in Mairuwa village, along the Funtua-Sokoto road, in Katsina state over the weekend.
The crash involved a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number MRR 83 XA conveying passengers from Kano which had a tyre burst in Mairuwa village, Katsina State.
The driver, subsequently, rammed head-on onto a Sino Truck belonging to Dangote Group.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, in a statement, said the incident could have been avoided if the driver observed traffic regulations.
The statement, signed by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Olusegun Ogungbemide in Abuja, quoted Mohammed as attributing the crash to poor vehicle maintenance, speeding, and disregard for traffic regulations.
“If the driver had observed established legal speed limits, ensured adequate vehicle maintenance and complied with traffic regulations the crash would have been avoided, “he said .
The FRSC boss cited instances of how bad driving behaviours led to avoidable road crashes in recent times emphasising that if drivers do the right thing, issues relating to crashes and fatalities would be a thing of the past in Nigeria.
He added that the enormous responsibility of keeping the roads safe rests on the shoulders of everyone.
He said that drivers must adhere to established speed limits, ensure regular vehicle maintenance, and comply with traffic regulations to prevent such crashes.
“The responsibility of keeping roads safe rests on everyone’s shoulders. By doing the right thing, Nigeria can eliminate road crashes and fatalities.
“The report of rescue operations conducted indicates that a total of 28 people were involved comprising of 23 male adults, one female adult, one male child, and three female children.
“From the number, 13 victims (11 male adults, one female adult, and one male child) were rescued with varying injuries.
“15 victims comprising of 11 male adults, one female adult and three female children were killed. Most of the casualties are passengers in the bus.
“This incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving practices in Nigeria,”he said.
The FRSC Corps Marshal further said the rescued victims have been taken to Funtua General Hospital, Katsina for medical attention
He called on transport unions, fleet operators and other vehicle owners to sensitise their drivers on the imperatives of ensuring routine and regular maintenance of their vehicles.
Mohammed also urged all other relevant stakeholders to prioritise road safety and work together to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) on Nigerian roads.