As the festive season approaches, the Federal Road Safety Corps has issued a stern warning to motorists about the dangers of exceeding the 100 km/h speed limit on expressways.
The corps highlights speeding as a major contributor to road accidents, which must be addressed to protect the lives of commuters.
This caution comes amid a worrying surge in road accidents across the country.
Recent data from the FRSC and the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that over 21,500 lives have been lost to road crashes in the last four years.
In 2021 alone, the NBS recorded 6,205 fatalities, while the FRSC reported 6,456 deaths in 2022. The number of deaths in 2023 stood at 5,081.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Saturday, FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide reiterated that speeding remains a leading cause of fatal accidents.
He stressed that adhering to speed limits could significantly reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.
“Excessive speed is a major factor in fatal crashes. Even when other factors contribute to accidents, if speed is controlled, the risk of fatalities is greatly reduced. We are urging motorists to always think about their loved ones and adhere to the regulated speed limits,” Ogungbemide said.
He further clarified the speed regulations, stating, “Motorists should not exceed 100 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on highways for private vehicles, and 90 or 80 km/h for commercial vehicles when necessary. These limits are flexible and depend on road conditions. A driver should not maintain these speeds on poor roads, and must always use common sense in choosing the appropriate speed, especially when the roads are in good condition.”
Additionally, the FRSC spokesperson urged passengers to be vigilant about their drivers’ behavior, advising them not to tolerate reckless driving.
