‎Safety Advocate Highlights Panacea to Eradicate Road Accidents‎‎

‎‎Ambassador, Engineer Dr Chinedu Ogwus

Despite proven facts that road accidents are preventable, road crashes surge in year 2025. Statistics have it that between January and March 2025 in Q1, the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC recorded 2,650 crashes which resulted to 1,593 deaths and 9,298 injuries.

‎‎In an exclusive interview conducted by The Mirror Newspaper with road safety expert cum advocate of youth and community development, Ambassador, Engineer Dr Chinedu Ogwus, highlighted solutions to eradicate road accidents.‎‎

Question 1 by The Mirror‎‎

This year, you alluded at a program dubbed ‘Eko Safe Sensitisation Project’ that road accidents are preventable. However in Q1, precisely between January and March 2025, road crashes surge, as an observer and expert in this space, what do you think is the missing gap and can the gap be bridged beyond rhetorics ?‎‎

You are absolutely right to raise the concern. The missing gap is from awareness to action. While sensitisation campaigns are very vital, the gap often lies in implementation, enforcement, and systemic integration.

Here are the key missing links.‎‎

1. Behavioural Change vs Awareness.‎‎

Awareness doesn’t always translate to safer behavior. Many drivers are aware of road safety rules but still flout them due to poor enforcement or cultural norms.‎‎

2. Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: FRSC’s enforcement is often reactive rather than proactive. Corruption, lack of resources and inconsistent penalties reduce the detergent effect.‎‎

3. Youth Engagement is Surface-Level: Youths are often ‘informed’ but not empowered to lead or co-create solutions. Their role is usually passive rather than participatory.‎‎

4. Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road conditions, lack of signage and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure contribute significantly to accidents.

‎‎5. Data-Driven Decision Making is Lacking: Policies are rarely based on real-time, localized data. This makes interventions less targeted and less effective.

‎‎‎Bridging the Gap: Beyond Rhetorics.

To move from talk to tangible impact, here are actionable strategies.‎‎

A. Youth-Led Road Safety Innovation Hubs‎.

Empower youth to develop rech-based solutions (accident reporting apps, driver behavior trackers)‎‎

2. Community Based Monitoring & Reporting

‎A Trained local youth as Road Safety Ambassadors to monitor road report infractions.

‎B Use social media and mobile platforms for real-time reporting and awareness‎‎

3 Policy Advocacy with Data‎

A. Partner with universities and NGO’s to collect and analyze crash data.‎

B Use this data to push for targeted infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms‎‎

4 Gamified Driver Education

‎A Develop mobile games or apps that teach road safety in engaging ways.‎

B Offer incentives for completing modules or passing virtual driving tests‎‎

5 Public Private Partnerships‎

A Collaborate with transport unions, ride-hailing companies and logistics firms to enforce safety standards.‎

B Introduce reward systems for drivers with clean safety records.‎‎

Q2 by The Mirror‎‎

Raining season comes with lot of fortunes but adaptation is usually challenging for drivers and road users this period. In terms of safety, what actions do you recommend to ensure safety ?‎‎

You are absolutely right, the rainy season in Lagos brings increased risks to drivers and road users due to flooded roads, poor visibility, slippery surfaces and traffic congestion.

To enhance safety during this period, here are targeted actions the FRSC in Lagos state can implement.‎‎Recommended Actions for FRSC lagos During Rainy Season‎‎

1. Pre-Rainy Season Preparedness Campaign

‎A. Public Awareness Drives: Use radio, social media and community outreach to educate drivers on rainy hazards.‎

B. Distribute Safety Kits: Partner with NGO’s or private firms to provide wipers, reflectors,and emergency light to commercial drivers.‎‎

2. Real-Time Traffic &Flood Alerts‎ Mobile App Integration:

Collaborate with tech start-ups to provide real-time updates on flooded roads and diversions‎‎ of SMS Alerts: Send weather and road condition alerts to registered drivers.‎‎

Strategic Deployment of Marshals‎Flood-Prone Zones: Station FRSC officers at known hotspots like Apapa, Lekki and Ikorodu during peak hours.‎‎

Emergency Response Units: Equip team with boats or high clearance vehicles for rescue operations.‎‎

Driver Behavior Enforcement ‎‎Speedchecks in Wet Conditions: Use mobile speed cameras to enforce reduced speed limits during rain.‎‎

Tyre & Brake Inspections: Conduct roadside checks for worn out thrws and faulty brakes.‎‎

Collaboration with LASWA & LASEMA‎‎ Joint Emergency Protocols:

Coordinate with Lagos State Waterways Authority and Emergency Management Agency for swift response to road-waywr interface emergencies‎‎ Youth Engagement & Volunteerism‎Rainy Season Safety Corps: Recruit and train Youth Volunteers to assist in traffic control and public education during heavy rains‎‎Infrastructure Advocacy‎‎Drainage Clearing: Advocate for regular desilting of drains, and culverts in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Environment.‎‎

Temporary Signage: Install reflective signs and barriers in flooded or damaged areas.‎‎

Q3 by The Mirror‎‎How can we improve road infrastructure?‎Improving road infrastructure is a multi dimensional challenge that requires coordinated efforts from Government, private sector, and communities.

Here’s a structured approach on how it can be improved, especially in the context of Nigeria or similar developing regions;‎‎

1‎. Strategic Planning & Prioritization‎Data-Rriven Mapping: Use crash data, traffic density, and economic activity to prioritize roads for upgrade‎‎‎ Master Plans: Develop long-term urban and rural road development plans aligned with population growth and economic zones.‎‎

2 Quality Construction & Materials‎‎ Standardization: Enforce strict engineering standards for road design, drainage and materials‎‎Local Materials Innovation: Invest in research to use durable, cost-effective local materials (e.g laterite, recycled plastic)

‎‎3 Modern Engineering Solutions‎Smart Roads: Integrate sensors, solar lighting and digital signage‎Modular Construction: Use prefabricated road sections for faster deployment and easier maintenance.‎‎

4 Routine Maintenance Programs: Establish dedicated road maintenance agencies with clear KPIs‎ Community Reporting Tools:

Enable citizens bank to report potholes or hazards via mobile apps or SMS.‎‎

5 Sustainable Financing‎

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Attract private investment for toll roads or industrial corridors.‎

Road Funds: Create dedicated funds from fuel levies or vehicle registration fees‎‎6 Community & Youth Involvement

‎Youth Infrastructure Corps:

Train and employ young people in road maintenance and monitoring.‎Civic Education: Promote road ownership and care through schools and community  groups.‎‎

7 Monitoring & Accountability‎

Independent Oversight: Set up citizen led monitoring boards to track road projects‎.

Transparency Portals: Publish road project budgets, timelines, and contractors online.

‎‎In conclusion, EUR ING (AMB) Dr. Chinedu Ogwus emphasizes that road safety is achievable through a shift from rhetoric to actionable, inclusive, and data-driven strategies.

Empowering youth, leveraging technology, enforcing laws, and improving infrastructure are key to reversing the trend of road accidents.

The rainy season and infrastructure challenges require proactive, collaborative efforts from government, private sector, and communities to ensure safer roads for all.