FRSC ATTRIBUTES FATAL CRASH TO FATIGUE

 More details have emerged concerning the fatal road traffic crash which claimed 43 lives along Auchi – Benin highway on 15 May, 2009 at about 4:00am.

According to the Federal Road Safety Commission’s road crash investigation report, the Ekeson Luxuy Bus left Sokoto for Onitsha when the driver who had been driving for over 14 hours, suddenly rammed into a broken down Tanker carrying diesel before bursting into flames, roasting 43 persons to death.

Further reports indicate that the diesel- carrying Tanker had a flat tyre around 4pm on 14 May,2009 and the driver did not display the necessary caution sign to alert on-coming motorists.

Subsequently, the driver and conductor fled the accident scene even as the FRSC rescue team found 43 burnt passengers and 4 other survivors with the back of the Tanker stuck to the Luxury Bus indicating that the Bus driver was overspeeding,and apparently under fatigue before crashing into the stationary Truck.

Disturbed by this development, the Federal Road Safety Commission wishes to remind motorists of the need to avoid fatigue by taking a 15 minutes break at a safe and convenient location on the highways after every 4 hours driving in order to avoid stress and fatigue.

In event of vehicle brake down,drivers are further enjoined to ensure that such stationary vehicles are moved safely off the road to avoid obstruction with a caution sign displayed 90 metres from the broken down vehicles to alert on-coming motorists.

In a related development, a driver with Peace Mass Transit, Mr. Ifeanyi Omuma, en-route Port Harcourt with vehicle registration number XD 531MKD, made a stop over at the FRSC Okigwe Unit Command for a 30 minutes’rest to clear stress induced drowsiness before continuing his journey. Though the passengers were angry, a few of them appreciated the action which was meant to ensure an accident-free journey to Port Harcourt.

Drivers and motorists are therefore strongly advised to take a cue from Mr. Ifeanyi Omuma of Peace Mass transit who has exhibited a great sense of responsibi lity by imbibing a good road culture as stipulated by the extant regulations. FRSC offices nationwide are available for stops at anytime, by drivers and motorists.