Road Accidents: FRSC Proposes Jail Terms For Drivers

THE Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Dauda Biu, has suggested imposing jail terms on drivers responsible for road accidents.

Biu made this proposal in response to recent avoidable crashes in Oyo, Kano, and Kaduna.

On 18 April and 19 April 2024, there were road crashes at Gaya Junction in Kano and Tashan Yari in Kaduna, which resulted in a total of 18 fatalities,

Also, it was reported that there was a crash on the Oyo-Ogbomoso route that claimed the lives of 19 passengers on 14 April 2024.

Biu, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that the FRSC has urged all state governments to prosecute these drivers rigorously for violating road laws.

He emphasized the need for stringent penalties, including jail terms without the option of fines to deter reckless driving.

The Corps Marshal said, “We have written to all state governors to help prosecute drivers that are causing road crashes. We have received a letter from the Kaduna State government of its commitment to prosecute these drivers. We hope that other states will follow suit in directing their commissioners of justice or police so that the drivers who indulge or violate road rules are prosecuted.

“In fact, we are advocating a jail term without an option of fines, so that by the time we have 50 jailed drivers, everyone will take caution. It is a collective effort.”

The Corps Marshal further disclosed that the FRSC was intensifying collaboration with the judiciary across the 36 states to expedite the trial of drivers involved in road accidents.

Biu noted that offenders would face legal consequences to deter others from driving recklessly.

He noted, “The FRSC is already deepening ongoing collaboration with the judiciary across the 36 federation states for speedy trial of drivers involved in road traffic crashes.

“As such, all drivers and vehicle owners who cause crashes on the roads will face the wrath of the law, and this will serve as a deterrent to others who are recalcitrant and drive dangerously or recklessly on the road.”

He further noted a reduction in fatalities during the 2024 Easter and Eid-el-Fitr holidays, compared to the previous year, indicating progress in road safety efforts.

“During the 2024 Easter special patrol period, the corps recorded a reduction in fatalities as 33 victims were killed in 2024 against 81 killed in the same period in 2023. This represents a 59.3 per cent reduction.

“Similarly, during the Eid-El-Fitr special patrol, while the total number of people killed in 2023 was 59, those killed in the same period in 2024 reduced to 28, signifying a drop of 52.5 per cent,” Biu said.