Deaths resulting from Road Traffic Crashes, RTCs reduced in Anambra from 64 in 2022 to 35 in 2023, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC said on Saturday.The Anambra Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, made the disclosure during a sit-out in Awka, with journalists working in Anambra State.
Irelewuyi said the figure covers from January 2023 to November 30 2023.
According to him, the state in 2023 recorded a total of 97 road traffic crashes, with 820 persons involved in 25 fatal incidents, that claimed 35 lives and 270 persons injured. This he said, reflected a significant improvement and reduction when compared with the 2022 records, which showed a total of 132 road traffic crashes, involving 1,048 persons, 42 fatal, claiming 64 lives. Irelewuyi also said in the year 2023, the state FRSC Command arrested 1,953 offenders with 2,119 offences from January to November 2023.
The Anambra Sector Commander, who revealed that the command remains undaunted in its efforts to drastically reduce road traffic crashes and the gridlock usually experienced across parts of the state, said part of their strategies is to deploy 1,000 personnel including both regular and special marshals from 15th December under the operation zero tolerance for RTCs.
These operations, he said, will also have extended work hours beyond the regular 6pm they used to stop, to ensure that travelers moving late will be covered by their presence and the availability of their facilities.
“It is expected that these personnel when deployed will engage in robust traffic management (enforcement and traffic control) as well as Public enlightenment, all targeted towards RTC reduction. “We are also in synergy with critical Stakeholders including Sister Security agencies, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra state ministry of transport, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, the Press and all other stakeholders in order to ensure a successful Operations Zero Tolerance.
“Presently we are discussing with the representatives of MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) Anambra on the possibility of opening the Onitsha bound lane of the Expressway to traffic as from the 15th of December, 2023. “This we believe will ease the pressure of traffic at the Amawbia flyover.
“Similarly we are discussing the possibility of some emergency repairs of critical portions of the expressway at Onitsha, Owerri road, Bridge head and other points as palliative measures so as to ensure free traffic flow.
“The State Command has also received the delivery of a brand new 70 ton Tow truck (Juggernaut) from our national HQ. This will greatly assist in ensuring prompt removal of obstructions and reduce gridlock.
“Part of our strategies to ensure safe travels within Anambra State during this season is to establish 3 Help areas along the critical Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Corridor. This will ensure prompt response to RTC and other traffic situations that may require intervention,” he said.
Irelewuyi commended the journalists for their support that enabled the command make remarkable progress in the course of their mandate of securing lives on the roads.
Journalists at the event had the opportunity to interact with the Sector Commander, to get clarifications on some grey areas, while awards were also presented to some deserving persons.
