Assessment of the Statutory Duties of Federal Road Safety Corps Aimed at Reducing Crashes and Carnages in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The recent road crashes along the main routes in Oyo State have drawn the attention of people towards the role and statutory responsibilities of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the statutory duties of FRSC aimed at limiting the number of road crashesin Oyo State. This work was limited to 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 11 LGAs that make up Ibadan and its environs. The study adopted simple random sampling technique using well-structured questionnaires to elicit information regarding the statutory duties of FRSC, a major road transport enforcement agency in Nigeria. From110 respondents ranging from commercial drivers, private vehicle owners, commercial motorcyclists, commuters, and road accident victims, 103 questionnaires were retrieved and were found analysable. The collected data was processed using descriptive data analysis techniques. It was found that out of 22 statutory duties of FRSC, only seven were being discharged effectively. Hence, it can easily be inferred that the operational performance of FRSC is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study recommends that the authorities should give prompt medical attention and care to accident victims on the road and should also enforce speed limits with the use of speed limit devices. The use of mobile phone while driving should be discouraged and the use of seatbelts should be promoted. At the same time, individuals, NGOs and corporate bodies should be given a free hand to contribute in reducing the number of road accidents. The use of sirens, beacon lights and flashers should be well-controlled and the struggle against fake driving licences should be enhanced.