By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Taraba State Sector Command, has raised concerns over the persistent threat of road traffic crashes, disclosing that the state recorded 115 crashes between January and October 2026.
The Corps said the incidents, largely attributed to excessive speeding and dangerous driving, had resulted in avoidable loss of lives and left several families and communities in grief.
The Sector Commander, CC Anna Attah, disclosed this on Thursday, November 12, 2026, while addressing journalists at the Press Centre in Jalingo as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims.
The commemoration, themed **”A Light That Unites Us,”** is being observed alongside the global message, **”Remember, Support and Act.”**
Attah explained that the annual remembrance was dedicated to honouring thousands of people who had lost their lives in road crashes, supporting bereaved families and recognising survivors still grappling with physical disabilities, emotional trauma and psychological challenges.
She described the occasion as more than a ceremonial remembrance, stressing that behind every road crash statistic was a human being whose death or injury could permanently alter the lives of family members and loved ones.
“Every life lost represents a dream cut short, a family thrown into mourning, and a future that may never be fulfilled,” she said.
The Sector Commander noted that many crash survivors continued to contend with disabilities, psychological trauma, financial difficulties and painful memories long after the incidents had occurred.
She consequently challenged Nigerians to reflect on the persistent loss of lives on the highways, particularly as many road traffic crashes could be prevented through responsible driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations.
According to her, more than 50 million people have lost their lives globally in road traffic crashes since the first recorded road death, while hundreds of millions have sustained various degrees of injuries.
She described road safety as a major public health and development challenge, particularly for children and young people.
Attah said the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 was established against this background, with a target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030.
### Nigeria Records Over 5,000 Road Deaths Annually
Providing an overview of road traffic crash statistics in Nigeria, the FRSC commander highlighted the scale of the challenge and the need for sustained collective action.
She disclosed that Nigeria recorded 10,617 road crashes in 2023, resulting in 5,081 deaths and 31,874 injuries.
In 2024, the number of crashes declined by 10 per cent to 9,570. However, fatalities increased by seven per cent to 5,421, while 31,154 persons sustained injuries.
The situation remained concerning in 2025, when 10,446 crashes were recorded, claiming 5,289 lives and leaving 33,400 persons injured.
Attah further revealed that between January and September 2026, the country recorded 7,156 crashes, resulting in 3,445 deaths and 22,292 injuries.
She said the figures underscored the urgent need for motorists, transport operators, government institutions and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards making Nigerian roads safer.
### Reckless Driving Remains Major Cause Of Crashes
The Sector Commander identified human behaviour and deliberate violations of traffic regulations as major contributors to road traffic crashes.
She listed excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloading, fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance and disregard for traffic signs and signals among the leading risk factors.
According to her, reckless decisions behind the wheels could have devastating consequences, turning otherwise routine journeys into tragic experiences for individuals and entire families.
“We must therefore recognise road safety as both a collective responsibility and a moral obligation. Road traffic crashes do not happen by accident alone. Many are linked to human errors and deliberate violations of traffic regulations,” she stated.
Attah called for a comprehensive approach to road safety, urging government agencies to strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms while encouraging transport operators to place human lives above commercial interests.
She also charged drivers to demonstrate discipline and responsibility, noting that passengers and pedestrians equally had important roles to play in promoting safer road use.
### FRSC Calls For Behavioural Change, Stakeholders’ Support
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to its statutory responsibility, Attah said the FRSC remained determined to reduce road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment for all categories of road users.
She, however, emphasised that enforcement measures alone could not guarantee road safety without a corresponding change in public attitudes and driving habits.
The commander said the global message, “Remember, Support and Act,” captured the essence of the remembrance week.
She explained that remembering involved honouring those who had lost their lives, supporting meant standing with crash survivors and bereaved families, while acting required individuals to make responsible choices, obey traffic regulations and advocate safer roads.
Attah also paid tribute to first responders, FRSC personnel, medical professionals, emergency rescue teams and other stakeholders whose dedication and timely interventions continued to save lives and assist crash victims.
Warning motorists against turning public highways into racing tracks, she urged road users to prioritise safety over speed, emphasising that arriving late was far better than losing one’s life in a preventable crash.
She called on residents to use the remembrance week as an opportunity to make personal commitments towards protecting lives, respecting other road users and preventing avoidable road tragedies.
“Our message is simple: Remember the victims, support the survivors, and act to prevent another tragedy.
“Because every life matters, every journey counts, and every road user deserves to arrive alive,” she said.
The FRSC Sector Commander also expressed appreciation to the Taraba State Government, under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, and members of his cabinet for providing logistical support to the Sector Command in its efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
