The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State on Friday said 146 persons died in various road traffic crashes between January and June across the state.
The state area commander of the corps, Joshua Adekanye, disclosed this in a press briefing in Ibadan.
Adekanye also said 618 persons sustained various degrees of injuries in 246 road crashes recorded across the state between January – June.
Giving a breakdown of the figure, he said 15 persons lost their lives in January, 15 in February, 23 in March, 24 in April, 45 in May, and 24 in June.
He explained that the investigation revealed that some crashes were due to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and mechanical faults, among others.
The sector commander cautioned drivers against reckless driving, noting that the command had stepped up its enforcement and public enlightenment across motor parks, churches and mosques.
“We also make use of radio, print and social media to pass the message across to the general public. We also partner with traditional leaders to talk to people in their domain about how to avoid factors that can lead to road traffic crashes.
“In addition to that, we have redoubled our enforcement and mobile court for arraignment and prosecution of traffic offenders without delay, ” he said.
Mr Adekanye further said the corps was aware of the absence of road signs on the roads, adding that the situation had been traced to the activities of scavengers.
He said this could put the lives of both drivers and other road users at risk.
“They (scavengers) are the ones stealing the signpost and plates on the road, and we are talking to the federal and state ministries of works to see how the road signs can be replaced,” he said.
NAN
