The latest statistics from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) indicate over 20 percent increase in road accidents across the country in the first half of 2012.
Updating journalists in Abuja on road safety in Nigeria, the FRSC education officer, Jonas Agwu said road accidents increased from 2,235 in the second half of 2011 to 2,717 in 2012. Injured persons also increased from 8,487 to 9,181 but the death toll showed a slight decrease from 2,218 to 1,936.
“Looking at the figures for 2012, a total of 1, 936 were killed within the six months period compared to 2, 218 for the same period last year… yes there was increase in the number of crashes recorded in 2012 but the number of people killed reduced,” Mr Agwu said.
He said the month of April 2012 recorded the highest and worst rates of accidents noting the main flash points to be Kogi State, Lagos – Ibadan, Kano – Abuja and Abuja – Lokoja express-ways.
Mr Agwu said the major challenge and cause of recent road accidents has been bad attitudes and habits such as using the mobile phone while driving and reckless speeding.
On the issue of new number plates and drivers’ licenses, he said a new deadline of October 2013 has been announced for the transition following the lifting of the initial suspension by the National Assembly.