Experts, particularly from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have identified road accidents as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s rising death rate, alongside terrorism. Recently, the FRSC reported that over the past four years, no fewer than 21,509 people have lost their lives in road accidents across the country, averaging approximately 5,380 fatalities each year.
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend, including poor adherence to traffic rules by motorists, excessive speeding, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and overloading. Statistics indicate that road accidents surge during certain periods, leading to a tragic loss of life and severe injuries, turning what should be a joyful season into a time of sorrow for many families.
To address this ongoing issue, as Yuletide approaches, a multi-faceted approach focusing on proactive and preventive measures is essential. This approach should include stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improvements to road infrastructure, heightened public awareness, and robust emergency response systems.
One of the most crucial steps in tackling this problem is enforcing speed limits and other traffic regulations. During the holiday season, the FRSC plays a key role in ensuring road safety. However, to create a meaningful impact, the FRSC must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward reckless driving, speeding, and overloading—behaviors that become common as people rush to reach their destinations during this time.
To enhance the effectiveness of this policy, authorities should consider establishing additional checkpoints at strategic locations, particularly on highways that experience heavy traffic. By increasing their visibility and presence on the roads, FRSC officers can deter unsafe driving behaviors, hold drivers accountable, and instill a sense of caution and responsibility.
Furthermore, penalties for traffic violations should be more stringent during this period to discourage risky behavior. When drivers face stricter consequences for violating traffic laws, they are more likely to adopt safe practices, contributing to a culture of responsible driving.
Road infrastructure also plays a significant role in road safety. Unfortunately, many of Nigeria’s roads are in poor condition, with potholes, poorly marked lanes, and inadequate lighting posing common hazards that increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly at night when visibility is compromised.
In preparation for the holiday season, federal and state governments must prioritize the maintenance and repair of key highways connecting major cities and towns. Well-maintained roads, with clear markings and adequate lighting, create a safer environment for motorists, facilitating better navigation and anticipation of road conditions.
Repairing and improving these roads would reduce the risks associated with holiday travel, creating a safer experience for drivers and passengers alike. A comprehensive strategy involving regular inspections and prompt repairs can significantly lower the incidence of accidents.
Public awareness is another critical component in addressing the high rate of road accidents during the holiday season. Many drivers are unaware of the heightened risks associated with this time of year, such as fatigue, the increased likelihood of drunk driving, and the importance of thorough vehicle checks.
The FRSC, in collaboration with the media, religious institutions, and community leaders, should lead nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of safe driving during the festive season. These campaigns should emphasize the dangers of impaired driving, the significance of vehicle maintenance, and the necessity of defensive driving.
By utilising various platforms—television, radio, social media, and even places of worship—the FRSC can reinforce the message that road safety is a shared responsibility. When individuals recognize the impact of their actions and understand their duty to protect not only themselves but also others on the road, they are more likely to adopt safer driving habits.
In addition to prevention, having an effective emergency response system in place is vital for reducing fatalities when accidents occur. The golden hour—the first hour after a traumatic injury—often determines the survival rate of accident victims. Hence, establishing emergency response units equipped with ambulances along busy routes could be a life-saving measure.
These units should be strategically located at intervals on major highways, with personnel trained in basic trauma care ready to respond quickly. Collaborations between state governments, private healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations could facilitate the establishment of temporary emergency points during the holiday season.
Government agencies, civil society organizations, and private entities must work together to ensure the safety of travelers during this high-risk period. By strictly enforcing traffic regulations, improving road infrastructure, raising public awareness, and preparing for emergencies, Nigeria can significantly reduce the number of accidents and related fatalities.
The spirit of the Yuletide season should be one of joy and togetherness, not marred by preventable tragedies. With these proactive measures in place, Nigerians can look forward to celebrating the holidays safely, bringing peace of mind to families across the nation
