Investigations by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that more than 42 people lost their lives, while 197 sustained various degrees of injuries in a series of tragic accidents involving articulated vehicles across Lagos State in 2023.
This is according to data obtained by our correspondent from the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Lagos state. According to the report, a total of 252 road traffic incidents (RTIs) were recorded last year alone, with fatalities reaching a devastating 42. The severity of the accidents resulted in 115 individuals suffering serious injuries, while 82 others sustained lesser injuries.
According to the data provided to our correspondent by the Sector Commander for Lagos state; Babatunde Farinloye, the year witnessed 119 trucks accidents, 28 tankers accidents and 105 trailer accidents, totaling 252 accidents recorded in 2023.
The month of May, 2023 had the highest number of accidents with 27 recorded trucks involved in different types of accidents. There were three recorded tanker accidents and three involving trailers in the same month.
Also followed closely is the month of April 2023, which saw a significant number of incidents. During this month, 14 truck accidents, 3 tanker accidents, and 12 trailer accidents were recorded, totaling 29 incidents.
Further analysis of the data reveals a concerning trend in the types of articulated vehicles that were involved in these accidents. Trucks accounted for the highest number with 119 recorded throughout the year. Tankers and trailers followed closely behind, with 28 and 105 accidents, respectively. The breakdown further highlights the specific challenges posed by each type of vehicle and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate risks associated with their operations.
Meanwhile, when our correspondent asked the State Commander of FRSC about some of the measures being put in place by the agency to reduce accidents involving trucks, tankers, and trailers, he emphasized the proactive approach adopted by the FRSC.
According to him, the FRSC has implemented several strategies that are aimed at improving road safety. Among these initiatives he said, is the introduction of a “Safe-to-Load” approach, which mandates minimum safety standards for fleet operators.
“This measure is designed to ensure that vehicles are loaded safely and securely, mitigating the risk of accidents caused by improper loading practices”.
In addition to this, he said the FRSC conducts effective patrol operations, in collaboration with sister-agencies to enforce traffic regulation, particularly for dry cargo movements.
“This involves cracking down on violations such as un-lashed containers, inappropriate loading, and transportation of animals with passengers. These enforcement efforts play a crucial role in maintaining order and safety on the roads”, he stated
Speaking further, he explained that the FRSC places a strong emphasis on public enlightenment campaigns, utilizing print and electronic media channels to raise awareness about road safety issues, including constant engagement with stakeholders to foster a culture of responsible road usage among all road users.
“Moreover, road audits are regularly conducted to identify black spots on the roads, which are areas prone to accidents. By pinpointing these high-risk areas, relevant agencies can take targeted actions to address safety concerns and reduce the occurrence of accidents.
“Another significant initiative undertaken by the FRSC is the installation of speed limit devices in vehicles. These devices help regulate vehicle speeds and promote safer driving practices, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by excessive speed.
“Overall, these measures reflect the FRSC’s commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing incidence of accidents involving trucks, tankers, and trailers in Lagos State. By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements, the FRSC aims to create a safer environment for all road users”, he said.
But, in response to the alarming accident rate, stakeholders have called for urgent action to improve road infrastructure, enhance emergency response mechanisms, and intensify road safety education and awareness campaigns.
They noted that the aim is to create a safer environment for all road users and prevent further loss of life on Lagos roads.
A clearing agent; Mr Aina Julius said: “If that is the record FRSC puts out, let’s assume that the figure is correct, 49 lives is a whole lot; we are not talking about chicken here. I think the government still needs to do more because even beyond blaming these drivers, what about the state of our roads, are they okay, this is not to exonerate these drivers, because we have so many of them who are very reckless, but government must first of all do all that is necessary to ensure safety of lives. Perhaps if we get data on areas where these accident happened, it can help us to know if it is as a result of bad road or as a result of reckless driving” he said.
On his part, Mr Ugochukwu Ikenga a member of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), lamented lack of enforcement particularly by the government to minimize road accidents. He added that the agencies in charge of the roads need to intensify efforts on road safety education and awareness campaigns.
“You see these tankers and trailer drivers, they see themselves as the king of the road particularly when they are on the road, they have that believe that they are superior; compared to you driving a lesser or very small car and so they drive with no regards for anybody, and that is because they are shallow in thinking, they need to educate them, just like the Police, or Army will educate an officer that is carrying a gun, they must be educated on the fact that you are driving a big trailer does not make other people inferior or less a person to you.
“Awareness campaigns against drinking while driving or before driving should be a regular thing for these people because I can tell you 80% of them are illiterates, so you need to continuously engage them”, he said.
