By Bridget Ikaydo
Makurdi – Mr Ghaddafi Asemanya, Founder, 24- Hour Road Accident Victim Support Initiative (TRAVSI), a Non-Governmental Organisation has called on motorists to avoid speeding to reduce road crashes.
The Chief Executive Officer of TRAVSI made the call during an interview with newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Asemanya said the organisation`s focus is to improve safety on Nigerian roads through interventions,providing first aid for accident victims and creating awareness for motorists.
He said the number of road traffic deaths from global perspective had increased annually, saying there is need to reduce the carnage through preventive measures and awareness.
The Founder said road crashes have killed more Nigerians than the violent Boko Haram terrorists group.
He said that the task of ensuring safety on roads should not be left to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) alone.
“In Nigeria, dangerous driving, speeding and distracted driving accounts for over 50 per cent of crashes according to FRSC report, hence the need for continuous sensitisation on safety.
“Our NGO is leading the campaign for safer road usage in Nigeria by implementing different advocacy, training and public enlightenment Programmes,” he said.
He also advised motorists to stay clear of intoxicants and other hard drugs while driving to reduce road crashes in the country.
Asemanya identified some major causes of road crashes to be reckless driving, bad tyres, over loading and wrong overtaking among others.
He called on motorist to adhere strictly to FRSC traffic rules and regulations to reduce road crashes in the country.
The founder said volunteers who are doctors, clinical Psychologists also help the organisation in its activities.
He appealed to individuals, government and relevant organisations to assist the NGO achieve its goals of saving victims of accidents
He encouraged government at all levels to provide first aid kits in schools to treat students with cases.
“The ministry of education should include in schools curriculum on how to handle a first aid.
“We urge government to empower the youth by bringing them to the FRSC and NGOs for safety training, we are ready to training them,“ he said.(NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)
