01 insight january 13

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A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION

www.frscinsight.com JANUARY 2013

FRSC

THE LEAD AGENCY

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

From The Editor-In-Chief

H

ave you ever wondered why the marriage ring is placed at the fourth finger from the thumb of the left hand?

Why should a ring be worn as a testimonial for commitment, show of love and fidelity? The exchange of wedding rings originated from Africa, in ancient Egypt, about 4,800 years ago. The circle in the ring symbolizes eternity, representing no beginning or end. The hole in the center of the ring suggests a gateway that leads to perseverance of anticipated and unexpected happenstance.

The ancient Romans began the practice of placing the wedding finger on the fourth finger of the left hand as they believed that the vein in the fourth or "ring" finger of the left hand leads directly to the heart. The ring, when given to a woman signifies never-ending and immortal love. The Federal Road Safety Corps, - Nigeria's lead road safety agency, recognizes this and as part of the Agency's goal is the alignment of its strategic goals with meeting the UN Decade of Action on road safety (2011 - 2020). This commitment, show of fidelity and obligation to attaining a world class status and making Nigerian roads amongst the league of the world's safest roads, has culminated in the World Bank country capacity review; WB safety corridors project; UN RoadPol visits for capacity building/training, and have crystallised into the UN recognition of FRSC as best example of a Lead Agency, recommended for other African countries to emulate.

FRSC Insight this month features this UN recognition and highlights what it means for road safety management in Nigeria and Africa, more so as Nigeria is the Chair of the West African Road Safety Organization (WARSO). Do you drive?. If you do, read along how to keep driving safe. Animals are our companions, but how much of them do you know?. Read about all these and other regular interesting stories in this edition. While wishing you a memorable and prosperous 2013, remember all the previous editions of FRSC Insight can be read on www.frscinsight.com

editorial OC Oladele (CC) Head, Planning Advisory Unit Editor – In - Chief

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IN THIS EDITION ■ Driving: Keeping it Safe - pg 4 ■ Yuletide & Road Crashes - pg 8 ■ Quotable Quotes - pg 10 ■ FRSC: The Lead Agency - pg 12 ■ World of Animals - pg 16 ■ Load Safety Checks - pg 18

Copyright & Disclaimer .

The information contained in this Newsletter has been compiled by Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC].

It provides general information only. Some photographs and graphics contained therein are only for dramatization (i.e. may not represent any member, client, partner, facilities, employee etc. of Federal Road Safety Corps). No responsibility is accepted for the correctness and completeness of the given information. .

Copyright © Federal Road Safety Commission. All rights reserved.

Contact Details Federal Road Safety Corps National Headquaters Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse District.

PMB 125, Abuja, Nigeria 0700- CALL - FRSC 0700 - 2255 - 3772 0807- 769 - 0362 (Text Messages Only) Email: info@frsc.gov.ng Website: www.frsc.gov.ng

EDITORIAL BOARD Osita Chidoka, OFR Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Publisher

OC Oladele (CC) Editor–In-Chief

KD Alegieuno (ARC) Editor

Members VO Ogunnupebi (ACC) AR Obagbemiro (CRC) CB Nwokolo (DRC) DO Enakireru (ARC) 0I IKOKU (ARC)

FRSC: The Lead Agency The Federal Road Safety Corps Nigeria's lead agency for road safety management and traffic administration was established in February 18, 1988. The vision exhibited by the Federal Government then is today celebrated and recommended as a world best practice by the United Nations and World Bank for countries in managing traffic administration. The FRSC has main mandates for road crash and injury prevention, traffic enforcement, drivers and vehicles licensing and education of road users on proper use of the highways. In the last 25 years, FRSC has consistently reduced road crashes in Nigeria from an all high figure of 25,792 in 1988 to 6,269 in 2012, thus achieving 76% decrease in road crashes overtime. Conscious that managing the 9.7 million vehicular population could become cumbersome by year 2020 when Nigeria's economy is expected to grow into one of the 20 biggest global economies, FRSC in its strategic road map envisioned vehicular population... See page 12

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driving

HOW YOU CAN KEEP IT SAFE

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HOUGH driving a motor vehicle is viewed as a necessity by millions of people today, driving comes at a price. It has been estimated that over 1,200,000 people lose their lives in traffic accidents worldwide each year! Thus, would it not be worth our while to learn how to drive safely?

Let us look at some practical steps that we can take.

CHECK YOURSELF A report in the Australian Journal of Social Issues noted that one of the most significant steps a driver can take to reduce the risk of fatalities is to improve his behavior at the wheel. Therefore, before setting out, a driver might want to ask himself, 'Am I in the proper condition and mood to drive?' Fatigue can dull one's mind and slow responses. The Land Transportation Office of the Philippines lists anger, anxiety, and excitement as emotions that affect driving habits and that can lead to unwise decisions and even violent road rage. One's physical condition must also be considered, as certain illnesses or injuries can hamper a person's ability to drive safely. A driver who respects the lives of others will not venture out on the road when his driving ability may be impaired by alcohol. Certain drugs or medications can also affect the driver's reactions. In some cases, it may be prudent to forgo the trip or to get someone else to drive.

CHECK YOUR SKILLS Especially in developing countries, as the number of vehicles increases, so does the number of new, inexperienced drivers.

Thus, it is good to consider two things that any driver can do to avoid accidents. Drive defensively! Stay alert, watch for potential road hazards ahead and behind, and anticipate the moves of other driversincluding wrong moves. Since a large

percentage of collisions result from one vehicle following another too closely, the wise driver will maintain a safe distance between his vehicle and others. Be aware of blind spots and distractions. Turn your head to see what is happening around you, and do not rely solely on mirrors. Avoid distractions while driving. Don't multitasksuch activities as talking on the phone or operating gadgets are distracting.

If you ride a motorcycle: Some authorities say that per mile, a motorcyclist is 37 times more likely to die in a crash than the occupant of a car. What protective steps can you take? Both of the preceding steps also apply to the motorcyclist. In addition, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in the United States says: “Be visible.” Make sure others can see you. Keep your headlights on. Stay out of blind spots of other vehicles. “Dress for safety.” Wear a helmet and bright, thick, protective clothing. “Ride extra defensively.” Assume that others cannot see you, and drive accordingly.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE The driver should be safety conscious, and his vehicle should be in good condition. Brakes should be in prime condition, as should all working parts. Tires should have plenty of tread to reduce the possibility of sliding or hydroplaning. Sufficient tire pressure will improve handling and braking. Most vehicles today have seat belts. These do little good if they are not worn.

Drive your vehicle according to conditions. Wet roads, and especially those with ice or snow, affect stopping distances and steering ability. For night driving, headlights should be kept in good condition and speeds should usually be lowered. Since life is a gift from God, it is only proper that we do what we can to protect our lives, including learning to drive safely.

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ECONOMICAL DRIVING ■ Drive smoothly: Frequent acceleration and braking wastes fuel.

■ Avoid idling: Cars today do not generally need to be warmed up before being driven. If the car will be standing for more than half a minute, switch off the engine.

■ Maintain tyre pressure: Properly inflated tyres roll more easily, thus reducing fuel use significantly.

■ Keep your speed down: Driving at a high speed can be unsafe and can require extra fuel.

■ Stay alert ■ Wear your seat belt ■ Don't multitask ■ Avoid distractions ■ Be aware of blind spots ■ Brakes in prime condition ■Sufficient tire pressure ■Plenty of tread ■ Maintain a safe following distance ■ “Dress for safety” ■“Be visible” ■Check headlights IS YOUR CHILD SAFE? According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death of children between 5 and 14 years of age. Says NHTSA: “Over 50% of children who die in crashes are unrestrained [by safety devices]. In addition, 4 out of 5 children are improperly restrained.” The NHTSA offers a number of safety tips and cautions for those who are accompanied by children while driving.

Although laws vary from country to country and even from

state to state, these guidelines may serve as food for thought to many parents and guardians of children. Please check your local laws and do whatever you can to keep your precious cargo safe!

SAFETY TIPS The safest place for all children is in the back seat.

■ Infants should be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat in the backseat of the car.

■ A child at least a year old and weighing at least 20 pounds [9 kg] may be placed in a forward-facing seat.

■ At 40 pounds [18 kg], the child can use a “booster seat,” which is secured by one of the car's lap and shoulder belts.

■ At approximately 80 pounds [36 kg] and a height of about four feet nine inches [140 cm], the child may begin using an adult safety strap.

CAUTIONS Children should not sit in the front passenger seat until they are at least 13 years of age. Front-passenger air bags can cause serious injuries to younger children and babies. When a booster seat is used, a lap belt alone will not provide sufficient protection if the booster seat does not have a shield. Do not think that a shoulder belt alone will protect a small child; in the event of a crash, the belt may cut across the neck of the child, causing serious injury or even death. Follow instructions closely when installing and using child seats. According to NHTSA, “even the 'safest' seat may not protect your child if it isn't used correctly.”Proper installation of a child seat includes securely fastening the seat belt.

By DENIS ENAKIRERU (ARC) Planning Advisory Unit FRSC Headquarters, Abuja

Decade of Action for Road Safety is attainable!

Let’s Join hands to create a Safe Road in Nigeria

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yuletide: 280 killed in Road Crashes

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he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that a total of 280 people, were killed in various road crashes across the country during the period of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Over 36, 000 motorists were also arrested by the FRSC operatives for various traffic offences in an “operation zero tolerance” declared from 19th December, 2012 to 4thJanuary, 2013. FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Mr. Osita Chidoka, made this disclosure at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at the end of his aerial surveillance of traffic situation and rescue operation by a military Helicopter, marked NAF571.

Chidoka, however, said there was a marked reduction in the number of deaths arising from road crashes this year during the period under review, attributing the success recorded to improved monitoring mechanism and current strength of the staff in the Corps. He noted 1,600 people were also injured from over 480 road traffic crashes recorded within the period. The FRSC boss said, “From the 19th of December 2013 till today, we had over 480 road traffic crashes. It was an improvement over last year. We had about 1,600 people injured and we had about 280 dead arising from these crashes, between December 19th and today. So, compared to last year there is a slight improvement and we hoped this improving trend will continue.” He said: “In the past 10 years FRSC has successfully brought down the number of crashes. In terms of enforcement activities over 36 000 vehicles were stopped, only about 13, 000 were booked.

The rest 23, 000 were cautioned and allowed to proceed on their journey”.

He further revealed that the operational network was strict and that one person was sent to prison by a mobile court, while 399 people were charged before the mobile courts, adding that other 370 persons were fined for various offences, with 25 of them discharged and acquitted by the mobile court. He said, “this is my final surveillance exercise of the Operation Zero that we had flagged of from December 19, 2012 to date. The operation continues, it will terminate in another four days or there about. So what I have done is to

take a look from the Eastern part of the country. We went through Enugu-9th Mile-Lokoja-Gwawgalada and then the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. And the traffic is moving freely. Our efforts in managing the traffic have been very successful in this year's Operation Zero, coupled with the fact that the roads condition is virtually improved. So it was a very good outing for us. On how would the air surveillance really help to check movement on the roads, he said, “well, for those of the journalists who joined us on the air surveillance, they will explain that better to you because there was no way I could have monitored five locations in one day. With those that I went with, of course we land in Onitsha, we land in Lokoja and we were able to give them the ideas of what is happening because we can the best eye view of the road and then advice them appropriately on what to do.

“In terms orderly movement of vehicles, we were very, very strict and successful in keeping the vehicles moving at paces that made it possible for there not to be congested like the Niger Bridge, Lokoja and 9th Mile. “What is responsible for this year's success, three things I think are responsible.

The learning of the past, we have been learning from our experience and also we have improved data collation and analysis. Second one was the increase in our staff strength that happened in the last one year and half. We have more people to deploy on the road.

“And thirdly is our improved monitoring mechanism. Our efforts to improve oversight of people who were given work and making sure that it is done. People were not only detailed to go and do specific jobs, but our technological improvement made it possible for us to actually monitor what is being done in reality”, he said.

OHAERI OSONDU J. MNIPR, FCAI (Superintendent Route Commander) Staff Officer,Media Relations Corps Public Education Office

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Quotes

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■ Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

■ Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think.

Jean-Paul Sartre

■ Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.Thomas Edison ■ When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we took

so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened up for us.

Helen Keller

■ If you're going through hell, keep going.

Winston Churchill

■ Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.

Albert Einstein

■ He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

Lao Tzu

If you learn from defeat, you haven't really lost.

Zig Ziglar ■

■ Men's best successes come after their disappointments.

Henry Ward Beecher ■ Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Confucious ■ The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

Leo Tolstoy ■ Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

Will Rogers ■ If you would create something, you must be something.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ■ Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself.

George Bernard Shaw

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

INSIDE FRSC

| IN THE NEWS | DECADE OF ACTION | PUBLICATIONS | SPEECHES |

LIFESTYLE

| PHOTO SPEAKS | MANY MORE

INTRODUCING

www.frscinsight.com 01 | To create awareness on the many issues and challenges of safety on roads.

02 | To create adequate, systematic and effective awareness on the many achievements made so far by the FRSC towards actualizing the Decade of Action For Road Safety.

03 | To involve the stakeholders in actualizing the Decade of Action on Road Safety by communicating the parts they could play in the process and getting their feedback on the activities of FRSC. 04 | To give the global audience deep insight and fresh perspective on FRSC activities 05 | To promote transparency in FRSC and project the organization's image positively.

06 |To give the employee a strong of sense morale and accomplishment

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FRSC Road Users

the lead agency WORLD BANK RECOGNISES FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS NIGERIA AS BEST EXAMPLE OF A LEAD AGENCY

By OC. Oladele(CC)

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he Federal Road Safety Corps Nigeria's lead agency for road safety management and traffic administration was established in February 18, 1988. The vision exhibited by the Federal Government then is today celebrated and recommended as a world best practice by the United Nations and World Bank for countries in managing traffic administration.The FRSC has main mandates for road crash and injury prevention, traffic enforcement, drivers and vehicles licensing and education of road users on proper use of the highways. In the last 25 years, FRSC has consistently reduced road crashes in Nigeria from an all high figure of 25,792 in 1988 to 6,269 in 2012, thus achieving 76% decrease in

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road crashes overtime. Conscious that managing the 9.7 million vehicular population could become cumbersome by year 2020 when Nigeria's economy is expected to grow into one of the 20 biggest global economies, FRSC in its strategic road map envisioned vehicular population to grow to 40 million and has articulated strategies and programmes to manage the expected huge vehicular density and make Nigerian roads be amongst the league of the 20 global safest roads in year 2020. This is in line with the Federal Government's Vision 20:2020.

FRSC, which is at the threshold of gaining ISO 9001 QMS certification, is a recipient of the prestigious Prince Michael of Kent award on Road Safety in 2008. The Corps has gained international recognition with the World Bank rating it as the best example of road safety Lead Agency in Africa. The World Bank, after conducting an independent assessment of FRSC, in a report presented by Per Mathiasen, a World Bank specialist enumerated the following as good practices from Nigeria: Fig 1

Fig 2

■ Establishment of FRSC as a dedicated implementing agency ■ Considerable human resources and earmarked budget ■ Major functions within all 'Five Pillars of road safety' ■ Corporate memory ■ Collocation and analyzes of data ■ Utilizes data for planning and performance monitoring ■ Application of new technology to enhance performance ■ Transparent evaluations to identify weaknesses ■ High priority to UN decade of action Pillar No.5 which is on Emergency services' ■ Taking responsibility for development of the road safety sector, nationally and regional ■ Persistent reduction in road crashes in Nigeria, in comparism with increases observed in other African countries as indicated in the chart below: Fig1 The report thereafter outlined in the chart below Fig2 in ''Lead Agency 5'' the presence of FRSC in all the 5 pillars of the UN decade of action on road safety (2011 -2020)

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World of Animals Largest Land Animal. The African elephant is the largest land animal. It is found in the African continent as against the Indian elephant which is smaller. It could be as tall as 4m to the shoulder and weighs as much as five tonnes. The African elephant also the largest ear of all animals on earth .its ear measures about 1.20m across.

TALLEST ANIMAL The giraffe of east Africa is the tallest animal on earth. Male giraffes grow as tall as 5.6m,some 1.5m taller than the African elephant which is the second tallest. Most of the giraffe height is from the legs which are about 1.8m long, and the neck which may be as much as 2m.

BIGGEST BIRDS The biggest bird on earth is the flightless ostrich of Africa. The adult male is about 2.5m tall and weighs as much as 150kg. the ostrich also has the biggest eyes of all animals, and can reach a speed of 64km per hour on land making it one of the fastest land animals.

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o one can say precisely, how many kinds of animals that are on earth. Each year, new discoveries are made both on land and in the waters. Mammals: are the most advanced animals. They differ from all others in that they are the only animals that nurse their babies-that is, they feed them on the mother's milk. Mammals can be divided into three groups according to their reproductive activity.

■ Placental gives birth to fairly well-developed offspring. Most mammals are placentals.

■Marsupials give birth to very tiny poorly developed offspring.

The baby attaches itself to the mother's nipple and stays in a pouch until it develops more completely outside the mother womb.

■ Monotremes unlike all other kinds of mammals do not give birth to live young, they lay eggs.

LARGEST ANIMAL By far the largest known living animal in the blue whale, a mammal that lives in the oceans of the world. The animal could be as long as 25m-30m, and weighs in excess of 100 tonnes.

LONGEVITY Records of animals under the water are not easy to keep, but all land animals, the giant tortoises are known to out-live man.

Ages in excess of 120 years are common, but some giant tortoises have been said to be alive for 300 years.

EGG-LAYING MAMMALS All mammals are known to bear their young ones alive except two: the platypus and the echidna. The platypus lives only in the continent of Australia while the echidna lives in Australia and on the neighboring islands of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean.

SPEED OF ANIMALS Speeds of animals vary greatly in the air, on land, and in the water. Birds are known to be the fastest of all animals, while the speed of animals on land , are slightly faster than the speed of animals in water. Exact speeds have not been recorded to scientifically put absolute figures, but in the air , the fastest bird ,the peregrine falcon is known to attain the speed of 320 km/ph. The golden eagle, a higher flyer is known to attain the speed of about 200kmph. The cheetah, a mammal that inhabits the grassland of east Africa, is known to attain the speed of about 110kmph , faster than the gazelle that can run at 80kmph , the ostrich , 64kmph and human beings that have attained the speed 32kmph.

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Load Safety Checks T

he Safety of your load is as important as the safety of your vehicle. Get into the habit of carry out these simple load safety checks before each journey

BEFORE LOADING Check the contents of your load. if it contains hazardous materials, you should know how to deal with them in an emergency. Always carry a fire extinguisher Check that: ■ Your vehicle is suitable for the load it is to carry.

■ The gross weight of your vehicle is within the legal (plated) limit.

■ The gross weight per axle is within the legal (plated) limit ■ The length, width and height of the load are within permitted limits.

■ Your load should be evenly distributed secure on your vehicle.

LOADING THE VEHICLE Do not overload an individual axle or the vehicle. Overloading is dangerous. It will damage your vehicle and the road. Spread the weight alone the length and across the width of the vehicle. Any extra weight should be placed towards the rear of the vehicle and above an axle. This will help both your steering and braking performance.

SECURING LOADS Loose loads may slip whilst the vehicle is moving causing you to lose control. Always make sure that your load is secure before you move off.

FLAT BED VEHICLE Most large loads are roped down. The method of roping depends on the shape of the load. Generally, ropes should cross the load between opposite rope hooks. For heavy equipment, chains and clamps are often used. DOT NOT attached the chains to the rope. Pass the chain around the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that they do not foul any vital parts, such as air lines, trailer cables etc Take care when locking clamps-they snap shut very quickly.

Any rope or chain ends should be tucked securely away so that they cannot come loose. Use lorry sheets to protect your load.

Make sure that the sheets cover the whole load and are well tied down.

BOX VANS/TRAILER Pack the individual items so that they prevent each other from moving or falling over. If in doubt, put them down.

TIPPER VEHICLE Bulk loads, such as sand or gravel, tend to spread themselves evenly as they settle. Make sure that the load is no higher than the sides of the body. Fly sheet the load, if necessary, to prevent spillage and provide protection from the weather.

WIDE AND LONG LOADS Observe any local regulations regarding the marking of such loads. Make sure that any marker boards are easily seen by other drivers.

LIVESTOCK LOADS When carrying livestock, it is best to keep them in individual compartments. Otherwise, they should be head-tied to the sides of the vehicle TANKER Make sure that is suitable for the liquid it is to carry. For example, milk tankers must not be used to carry fuel. Make sure that all compartment covers are shut.

ALL VEHICLES Check that all fastenings are secure and any doors shut and preferably locked Culled from The African Highway Code; A guide for drivers of heavy goods

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