No fewer than 128 people lost their lives in 376 road traffic crashes recorded in Lagos State between January and October 2023.
The Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander, Mr Babatunde Farinloye, gave the figure at a news conference held in Lagos on Thursday to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Farinloye said 1,842 people and 662 vehicles were involved in crashes during the period, adding that 237 people suffered various injuries.
The sector commander underscored “excessive speed, dangerous driving and overloading” as the most probable causes of the road crashes.
He assured that the command would continue to deploy all paraphernalia of enforcement and advocacy to stem the rate and spate of crashes on the roads.
On the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the sector commander said the day was adopted and recognised by the UN via Resolution A/60/2005, to remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads.
“The annual global advocacy event is designated to recognise and pay respect to the thousands of people who are killed and injured as a result of road traffic crashes.
“The day is also to sensitise the living on safe road practices,” he said.
He noted the other objectives of commemorating the event were to provide a platform for traffic victims and their families to remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads and to promote actions to stop crashes.
“Others are to acknowledge the crucial work of the emergency service and advocate for better support for road traffic victims and their families.
“Also, it is to promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries,” he said. (NAN)