33 accidents, 26 deaths recorded in Abia in 2018 – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abia State says it has
recorded 33 accidents between January and November 14, this year.

The Abia Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Commander Meshach Jatau, disclosed this on Friday at the Aba Park,
while speaking to drivers at a sensitization programme organized by
the State Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with the FRSC, to mark
its Safety Week, NAN reports.

Jatau said that out of the 33 accidents, 26 persons died while 257
were injured, hence the need to re-emphasise the importance of road
safety.

He said, "Accidents destroy lives and render families economically
impotent, with some of their bread winners dead.

''The number of road accidents in the state is very high, and we are
working on possible ways to reduce it.

''Also, that deaths from accidents has increased the number of out-of-
school children, which also increased social vices, and has charged
the drivers to drive with their loved ones always in their minds.''

The Abia Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga, while
addressing the drivers, stated that the state was working to ensure a
zero accident record during the yuletide.

He said, "The state is working to ensure it has a zero accident record
by January 2019.

"Our appeal is to all drivers in the state to change their tyres,
service their vehicles and avoid drinking before driving during this
period."

The commissioner also added that sensitization programme was put
together to educate and provide the necessary information for both new
and old drivers to work and live beyond the Christmas season, without
accidents.

"You cannot get all the money you need in your lifetime within this
one month period. So avoid reckless driving and speeding to cover many
trips if you must be alive to see the New Year,'' he said.