The Federal Road Safety Commission on Tuesday in Abakaliki ascribed fatal road crashes on Nigerian roads to over-speeding and use of second-hand tyres.
The Ebonyi Sector Commander of the commission, Charles Aborchi, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Aborchi said more than 60 per cent of fatal road crashes in the country were due to excessive speeding.
He frowned at the wanton destruction of innocent lives and goods on the highways due to avoidable road accidents.
He then appealed to motorists to apply the Highway Code on defensive driving.
The sector commander further appealed to owners of mass transit companies to install the speed limiting device in their commercial buses to regulate their drivers’ speed.
Aborhi said: “It is vital that motorists learn to drive to stay alive by avoiding over-speeding and use of second-hand tyres.
“Over-speeding and burst tyres are known to be major causes of fatal road crashes in Nigeria and motorists should imbibe safety principles.
“Available statistics based on research carried by the organisation, reveals that no fewer than 60 per cent of road crashes in Nigeria are caused by over-speeding.
“I am appealing to both private and commercial motorists to adhere strictly to the traffic code while mass transit owners should install the speed limiting device in their vehicles.
“Lives and millions of naira worth of goods are lost every day on our roads due to road accidents, while many people have sustained permanent disabilities from such accidents.’’
The sector commander stated that the commission has embarked on drive-safe awareness campaigns at major motor parks in the city in its determined effort to ensure accident-free ember months.
He said the commission would soon embark on the enforcement of the installation of the speed limiting device in vehicles.
He, therefore, urged motorists to equip their vehicles with the device.
He said: “We will impound vehicles that are not fitted with the speed limiter because enough awareness has been created and vehicle owners have been given enough time to comply.’’
According to him, the first phase of enforcement will begin with the 10-seater, 14-seater and 18-seater buses.
He called for partnership with the press to enhance public awareness on the dangers of over-speeding.
He further advised motorists to always use the seat belt in the while driving.
Aborhi stressed: “We urge motorists to shun acts that will endanger their lives and the lives of passengers on board their vehicles by applying safety standards in line with traffic rules.
“Drivers should always put the seat belts on while on the steering.’’
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