From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Mrs. Uche Okolie, the Unit Commander, Nsukka Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that 80 per cent of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across the country are caused by human factors.
Okolie disclosed this in Nsukka on Friday during the 2022 Ember month campaign flag-off, tagged; “Avoid Over Speeding, Overloading And Use of Safe Tyres to Arrive Alive.”
She said that FRSC as an agency saddled with the responsibility of
traffic management in the country, introduced the “Ember Months Flag off Campaign” to educate road users to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations during and after the yuletide period.
According to her, “the mind-boggling statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 1.35 million people die annually as a result of a road traffic crash, and between 20 million and more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring disabilities.
“Regrettably, of the three major causes of road traffic crashes the human factor is put at 80 per cent compared to environmental and mechanical factors.
“This has led to the death of many economic losses to individuals, families and the nation in general, which was as a result of overspeeding, overloading, driving under the influence of alcohol among others,” she said.
She noted further that the 2020 theme, “Operation Zero Tolerance Special Patrol” is apt and timely, adding that “the safety and security situation of our country today calls for extra vigilance and consciousness in the mind of everyone, especially the motorists.
“As the Christmas season approaches, we must remember that will not be the end of the world and it is only the living that celebrates,” she said.
She expressed her satisfaction with the synergy between the FRSC Nsukka Unit command, the police, and other sister security agencies in the area and called for its sustenance.
She also commended the Nsukka local government council boss Mr. Walter Ozioke for his support and assistance to the FRSC Nsukka Unit command.
The Nsukka LG chairman, represented by Mr. Felix Asadu the executive secretary council, expressed appreciation for the performance of the FRSC Nsukka Unit command, noting that there has been a considerable reduction in road accidents in the area.
“I commend Okolie and her team for their commitment to sensitizing and educating drivers and other road users on best road safety measures aimed at reducing road accidents.
“Nsukka LG under my watch will continue to support the FRSC in their determination to ensure that road crashes are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
In a remark Mr. Yahaya Hassan, the  Commander of Nsukka police area command said that the work of FRSC in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers on the road can not be over emphasis and pledged the support of the police to ensure that they actualize their mandate.
“I commend the present synergy between the FRSC, the police, and other security agencies in Nsukka and urge all to keep it up,” he said.
Earlier in a remark, Mr. Demian Ozioko, from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nsukka LG who represented Mr. Onyekachi Ugwu the chairman, thanked the FRSC for always having the safety of drivers and other road users at heart.
Ugwu assured that NURTW will continue to partner with FRSC in assisting them to educate their driver on the need to obey road signs and regulations as well as ensure that no driver under the influence of alcohol will be allowed to drive.
HRH Igwe Emeka Ugwu, the Traditional Ruler of Owerre Nsukka community is among the dignitaries present during the occasion.
The highlight of the programme was the cutting of the tape for the flag-off by Nsukka LG chairman.