Why road crashes persist in Nigeria by Ondo FRSC boss.
The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, has identified non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations as one of the factors responsible for persistent increase in road crashes in Nigeria.
Ibitoye, a Corp Commander, made the assertion in a keynote address delivered at a Road Safety sensitization meeting organised by the FRSC, which held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Ondo State.
Speaking on, “Take Responsibility for your safety- Stop Distracted Driving”, the Ondo State FRSC boss, described Road Safety as a global phenomenon, and expressed serious concern on what he observed as high rate of road crashes in Nigeria, stating that the situation has affected the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and brought negative impact on its development.
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Allaying fear being expressed in certain quarters about the myth surrounding the last four months of the year – September, October, November and December, which are dreaded for being the ones during which road crashes are usually at its peak, Dr. Ibitoye, said there is nothing to fear “as the ember months are the same like every other months of the year”, stating that what is needed is for everone not to entertain fear, but to take “ownership of their safety, while driving on the road during the festive period.
The Corp Commander listed three things, which he said could cause road crashes to include mechanical, environmental and human factors. He, however, singled out human factor as one responsible for controlling the other two remaining factors.
Ibitoye, stressed the need for vehicle owners, both private and commercial to pay good attention to their vehicles brake system and other activities such as gauging of oil and tyres regularly before embarking on a journey. He stated that the move would help in averting road crashes.
Additionally, the high ranking FRSC official, urged drivers to always be conscious of weather conditions, by ensuring that they drive slowly during raining season and use their headlight when there is poor visibility.
The Ondo FRSC boss, however, warned drivers against drunkeness, excessive speeding, use of mobile phones and engaging in other activities which could cause distractions while driving.
In addition, Dr. Ibitoye, also advised passengers to always offer word of advice to drivers when they notice non-compliance with traffic rules and regulation, while in transit.
He emphasized the importance of obeying traffic rules and regulation by drivers, stating that non-compliance could bring negative consequences; which include imprisonment, emotional trauma and loss of man-hour.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III, represented by a Chief from Ondo Community, Ebenezer Ogunmoyero, lauded the FRSC for their initiative, adding that the move would go a long way in raising consciousness of participants and increase their knowledge in safety precautions while driving.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Vice-Chacellor, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, commended the FRSC for embarking on the sensitization exercise, stating that the development would help in creating awareness on the need for vehicle owners and drivers to abide with traffic rules and regulations.
The University Administrator however, stressed the need for relevant government agencies to pay more attention to the activities of commercial motorcyclists, stating that the move would go a long way in reducing incident of crashes among its operators.
Prof. Popoola, urged participants at the sensitization exercise to make judious use of knowledge that would be impacted, expressing optimism that the development would be of immense benefit to them at the end of the programme.
The event which brought people from all walks of life to the University was witnessed by some Principal Officers of the institution which included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, his Deputy, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao as well as the Executive Chairman, Ondo West Local Government, Ondo State, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin.
Also present was the representative of the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Chief Ebenezer Ogunmoyero; Representative of Heads of Security Organisation in Ondo City, Members of FRSC Ondo Unit Command, Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and their counterpart, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ondo City.
Others were members of Road Safety Club in some Secondary Schools in Ondo City, members of Road Safety Special Marshals Ondo Unit Command as well as staff and students of AFUED to mention but few.
