Perm Sec Speaks On Economic Impacts Of Road Accidents
Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Transportation, Mr Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu has urged residents to disregard the general stereotype and belief that ‘ember months’ especially the month of December are associated with evil and more dangerous than other months.
Speaking during the Year 2019 Insurance and Road Strategy Conference, organized by Messrs Safe Driving Academy (SDA) in partnership with the Lagos State Driver’s Institute (LASDRI) at Sheraton Hotels Ikeja, Whenu said that the belief is predicated on the fact that road accidents occur more often in December than any other month because, in this notion devil is always at work during the festive period.
He highlighted some of the causes of road crashes in Nigeria such as not obeying traffic rules, signs and signals, over speeding and drinking while driving, using of mobile phone while driving, fatigue, unauthorized driving, amongst others.
Sewedo who focused his speech on “THE ECONOMIC EFFECT OF ROAD ACCIDENTS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT” said accidents have a huge effect on health and human capital resources as some families never recover from the trauma of a sudden and violent death of their bread winner/family member which may further deplete their standard of living and increase poverty level of a nation.
He also lamented the road infrastructural deficit, poor maintenance and lack of road furniture leading to road crashes and increased traffic congestions that significantly affect annual Government budget on road infrastructure thereby, compounding the unacceptable loss of man-hours and the unbearable discomfort Nigerian road users suffer.
He finally commended the Lagos State Government on the giant strides made to curb the ugly trend of road accidents urging all relevant Stakeholders to work in partnership with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu in the various ongoing reforms in the transport sector.
“This administration is committed to efficient traffic and transportation management such that it will promote safety, sanity, standard and security of lives and property.
Therefore, Safety is not a slogan; it is a way of Life…
Safer You…. Safer Me…” He said
