The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Edo command has stated that atleast 536 persons were involved in various Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across the state between July and November.
This was disclosed on Monday by the state sector commander of the corps, Mr Henry Benamaisia in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
Benamaisia explained that the figure was recorded from the 102 crashes that occurred within the period under review.
He said that 51 persons were recorded killed in the crashes, while 192 persons were recorded injured, thus bringing the casualty figure to 243.The sector commander who gave a month-by-month breakdown of the record, said that in July 119 persons were involved in 19 road traffic crashes in the state, with nine persons killed, 49 injured, and 58 casualties.
“In August, 155 persons were involved in 29 road traffic crashes, with 11 killed, 57 injured, with 68 casualties.
“Similarly in September, 83 persons were involved in 19 road traffic crashes, with 10 persons recorded dead, 32 injured with a casualty figure of 41.
“Meanwhile in October 98 persons were involved in 17 road traffic crashes, which had 10 persons dead, 31 injured, 41 casualties, while in November, 81 persons were involved in 18 crashes with 11 deaths recorded, 24 injured with 35 casualties.”
Benamaisia harped on the need for motorists as well as road users to be extra careful and vigilant while using the roads especially during this yuletide.
He noted that the need for caution could not be over-emphasised as some motorists were recalcitrant when it came to speeding.
He, however, said that excessive speed from motorists was uncalled for as “only those who travel and get to their destination can be said to truly travel, because speed and indeed excessive speed kills.”
He said the command had continued to sensitive the motoring public to the need to obey all road safety laws, and would not relent until the motoring public became safer.
Benamaisia further advised travellers not to indulge in night journeys but to make their journey early and at safe time, rather than leave late and then encourage the drivers to be on speed.
“This is a fact, because we know that some passengers encourage drivers to go on excessive speed because, according to them, they want to get to their destinations on time.
“But this is all wrong, if you know you want to get to your destination on time, them start your journey early enough and at safe time,” the sector commander said.