FRSC Reports 111 Road Crashes in Lagos During First Quarter of 2024

The Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported 111 road crashes in the first quarter of 2024, involving a total of 535 people. According to Sector Commander Babatunde Farinloye, these crashes resulted in 17 fatalities and 162 injuries.

The accidents involved 98 commercial vehicles, 69 privately-owned vehicles, and 2 government vehicles. Farinloye stated that 14 of the crashes were fatal, 65 were serious, and 32 were minor. "The FRSC's target is to achieve zero fatalities, though accidents can occur due to various reasons, with human error being the major cause, such as speeding, disregard for traffic signals and signs, poor vehicle maintenance, and driving on poor road conditions," he said.

Why this matters: Road safety remains a significant concern in Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city, with human factors contributing to the majority of crashes. The high number of accidents and casualties in the first quarter of 2024 highlights the need for increased road safety measures and driver education to reduce the loss of lives and injuries on Lagos roads.

Farinloye emphasized that the majority of the crashes were caused by human factors, such as speeding, disregarding traffic signals and signs, poor vehicle maintenance, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He urged parents to ensure that their children are of legal driving age, proficient, and have a valid license before allowing them to drive. The Sector Commander also cautioned against the use of phones while driving.

Earlier in March, two passengers fell off the Third Mainland Bridge into the Lagoon when a commercial bus they were in crashed on the bridge. The FRSC continues to work towards reducing road accidents and fatalities in Lagos, with a focus on addressing human errors through education and enforcement of traffic laws.

Key Takeaways

• 111 road crashes in Lagos in Q1 2024, resulting in 17 deaths and 162 injuries.
• Crashes involved 98 commercial, 69 private, and 2 government vehicles.
• Human errors like speeding, disregard for traffic laws were the major causes.
• FRSC aims to achieve zero fatalities, urges driver education and enforcement.
• Incidents like a bus crash on Third Mainland Bridge highlight need for road safety.