By Praise Chinecherem
A total of 35 persons their lives while 270 were injured in 97 road crashes in Anambra State between January and November 2023, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed.
Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi who made the disclosure during a media forum sit-out with the command, said 820 persons were involved in the crashes, with 25 of them being fatal.
He said the statistics showed significant improvement and reduction when compared with 2022 records where a total of 132 RTCs involving 1,048 persons were recorded.
He said, “As a state Command looking at our activities from the month of January to 30th November, 2023 we recorded a total of 97 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), in which 820 persons were involved, 25 of the RTCs were fatal, claiming the lives of 35 persons and 270 persons injured.
“This shows there is a significant improvement and reduction when compared with 2022 records where we had a total of 132 RTCs involving 1,048 persons, 42 of which were fatal, claiming the lives of 64 persons and injuring 306 persons.
“In the face of security threats and high risks to personnel safety, the Anambra Sector Command remains undaunted in its efforts to drastically reduce RTCs and create safer motoring environment.
“It has arrested 1,953 offenders with 2,119 offences from January to 30th November, 2023 and impounded 332 vehicles.
“This also shows an improvement when compared to the year 2022 where we recorded 1,381 offenders arrest with 1,493 offences and 382 impoundments.
“The Command will continue to strive harder to ensure the achievement of the Corps’ Corporate Strategic goals as well as the United Nations target of reduction of RTC by 50% by the year 2030.
Regarding preparations for 2023 operation Zero tolerance, the FRSC boss announced deployment of about 1000 personnel State wide, including both regular and Special Marshals.
“In the light of the above therefore, the Command is poised to commence the Operation Zero Tolerance to RTC which starts nationwide on the 15th of December 2023 and is expected to run through 15th January, 2024.
“We have mapped out strategies for the success of this exercise in Anambra state. These strategies include: Deployment of about 1000 personnel State wide. These include both regular and Special Marshals.
“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.”
