The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced on Monday that road accidents in the country decreased by 22% in 2023 compared to 2022. According to the FRSC, a total of 5,081 people lost their lives in various road traffic crashes, with 10,617 crashes and 31,874 injuries recorded.
Corps Marshal Dauda Biu shared these statistics during a press briefing on the review of 2023 activities and Operation Zero Special Patrol. Biu highlighted the significant reduction in road crashes, fatalities, and injuries compared to the previous year.
The primary causes of these accidents, as noted by Biu, included speed violations, overloading, continuous night journeys, wrongful overtaking, and more.
Biu emphasized the positive trend in the annual performance, revealing that from January to December 2023, the FRSC recorded a substantial reduction in road crashes, fatalities, and injuries compared to the data from 2022.
The figures showed a 22% decrease in road traffic crashes, a 21% reduction in fatalities, and an 18.1% decrease in injuries.
The Corps Marshal also shared details about Operation Zero Special Patrol, revealing that 1,303 traffic offenders were arraigned, with 1,159 convictions and 144 discharges.
Offenses committed during the operation increased by 33% compared to the same period in 2022.
Biu cautioned that during the special patrol from December 15, 2023, to January 15, 2024, a total of 634 road traffic crashes occurred, marking a 19% increase from the same period in 2022.
Five FRSC officers were deliberately knocked down during this time, resulting in two fatalities and three serious injuries.
Despite the challenges, Biu expressed the need to reverse the worrisome trend in 2024 and beyond.
He highlighted the efforts deployed during the operation, including over 7,100 officers, 18,124 marshals, and various vehicles and equipment.
The Corps Marshal concluded by urging for a collective commitment to improving road safety and reducing accidents on the nation’s roads.
