The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that 5,421 lives were lost in road traffic accidents across Nigeria in 2024, a 7% increase from the 5,081 deaths recorded in 2023. This alarming rise occurred despite a 10% decrease in the number of road crashes, which dropped from 10,617 in 2023 to 9,570 in 2024.

Key Insights from the Report
At a press briefing in Abuja marking the conclusion of the FRSC’s “Operation Zero Tolerance” campaign, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted several findings:

• Total Involvement: The number of people involved in accidents increased slightly by 1%, rising from 70,092 in 2023 to 70,530 in 2024.
• Injuries: A 2% reduction in injuries was recorded, with 31,154 people injured in 2024 compared to 31,874 in 2023.
• Secondary Incidents: Tragically, 411 deaths (7.6% of total fatalities) were linked to the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, a recurrent issue the FRSC is battling to eliminate.

Operation Zero Tolerance
The special patrol campaign from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, witnessed 531 crashes, a 16.2% reduction from the 634 crashes recorded during the same period in 2023. However, the toll of 402 deaths during this campaign highlights ongoing challenges.

Significant incidents during this period included five major crashes in Plateau, Abia, Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo States. The deadliest occurred in Jebba, Kwara State, claiming 30 lives.

Factors Behind the Fatalities
According to Mohammed, key contributors to the increased fatalities include:

• Reckless Driving: Speeding, dangerous driving, and driver fatigue continue to be major issues.
• Overloading: The practice of overloading vehicles with passengers and goods exacerbates risks.
• Poor Maintenance: Vehicles in poor condition have contributed to accidents.
• Fuel Scooping: This hazardous act accounted for a significant share of secondary fatalities in 2024.

Preventive Measures and Public Caution
The FRSC called for concerted efforts to curb the alarming trends:

• Drivers: Motorists should adhere to speed limits, avoid night travel, and ensure vehicles are properly maintained.
• Passengers: Individuals were cautioned against boarding trailers and trucks designed for goods transportation.
• Public Awareness: The FRSC plans to intensify public sensitization campaigns to reduce risky behaviors on the roads.

Future Plans
The Corps Marshal reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to enhancing road safety through collaborations with the judiciary, improved staff welfare, and bolstered enforcement efforts.

“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and therefore unacceptable,” Mohammed stated. “We must prioritize safety and ensure a collective effort to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities in the year 2025.”