Re: I recorded only 2 accidents in 44 years

I remember the revelation by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal Mr. Osita Chikodo that over 3,000 died in 2,235 road accidents in Nigeria last year. This number is unacceptable. In Nigeria, many lives are being lost on a daily basis as a result of bad roads and bad driving habits. Roads in […]

I remember the revelation by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal Mr. Osita Chikodo that over 3,000 died in 2,235 road accidents in Nigeria last year. This number is unacceptable. In Nigeria, many lives are being lost on a daily basis as a result of bad roads and bad driving habits. Roads in most instances are more of death trap. The federal, state and local governments in the country have a responsibility to maintain the roads under their care.
Another problem on our roads is over loading, over taking and lack of obeying traffic rules. A good example can be seen even in the capital city of Abuja as Mrs Tasalla observed. Abuja is a well-planned beautiful city, with a good road network. The streets are well marked; road signs are bold and readable and in most cases consist of four lanes. Traffic lights are almost everywhere in use throughout the day. In spite of all these, you still have road accidents in Abuja. This is mainly due to claiming right, over speeding, reckless driving, poor vehicles maintenance, non-observance of traffic rules, the use of mobile phones while driving and most above all is the lack of enforcing law(s) by the authorities concern.
Though there has been awareness campaign in the media against the use of cell phones while driving, this habit remains a common sight in Abuja and other cities. You see drivers driving with one hand using their phones with the other. This must stop. People must learn to (or be forced to) park off the road if they must answer their phones, read or write text massage.
Careless attitude on the roads should be discouraged, and this is not only the responsibility of the FRSC alone. Parents, opinion leaders, and all those in position of authority should prevail on those under their care to avoid misbehaving on the roads. Sanctions and fines should not only be spelt out for defaulters, they must be enforced by the relevant authorities.
Finally, we pray to Almighty God to make us firm in doing what is right and avoid what is wrong. May He inspire us with good conduct and save us from the evil of our selfishness.
Adamu Muhd Usman, Kafin- Hausa, Jigawa State. [email protected]