CIOTA, FRSC begin road safety awareness campaign in Lagos

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), yesterday, began a road safety awareness campaign in Lagos State.

CIOTA’s President, Bashir Jamoh, represented by Chizoba Anyika, while speaking at the campaign ceremony, disclosed that across the world, road traffic accidents accounted for about 1.25 million deaths and 50 million injuries each year.

She said: “These injuries can lead to life-long disability, including brain and spinal cord injury. Natural disasters and road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death, especially among young people. With only two per cent of the world’s vehicles but 16 per cent of road fatalities, Africa has been hit hard by the global road safety crisis.”

Commander O.C. Olakoju, representing Lagos State FRSC Command, while addressing motorists noted that transportation played a pivotal role in the development of the economy of any country and road safety awareness is crucial.”

The Director of Lagos State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS), Segun Obayendo, urged Nigerians to stop cutting corners in the acquisition of driving licenses, adding that this would help in reducing road crashes.

“To get it right and reduce road carnage, we must begin by ensuring that we put in place a tough training schedule for anyone who wants to drive on the road,” he said

Also speaking, Taiwo Salaam, former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Transport and CIOTA Chairman, said that the Lagos State government had installed cameras on the road to monitor traffic offenders.

He, however, pleaded with motorists to abide by the road safety rules and regulations for their own safety and that of their family members.