03 insight march 2012

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FRSC

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION

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THE UNITED NATION’S DECADE OF ACTION FOR ROAD SAFETY IN PERSPECTIVE

www.frscinsight.com MARCH 2012

From The Editor-In-Chief

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

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ave you ever wondered why God created lights from darkness?. In the beautiful story of creation, God did not create man till he had created light. But why would God create light before Man?. Why is light so important, not only in the story of creation but within the realities of the present day we live. Recognizing that light is older than man, ancient humans have learnt how to use the light shown on the earth by the sun to see in the dark, communicate information to the eyes and create warmth from cold.. The existence of light is now synonymous with good in the same way evil is associated with darkness. Little wonder then why Russian scientists, are working on a simple theory that they hope will banish darkness forever from the earth.

At 24, the Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria, arguably, can be said to respect the light of the Nation. A light that shines away the darkness of anguish, desolation and pains from the consequences of road traffic crashes. Insight this month is a story of FRSC at 24. You can not afford to miss reading this edition.

Social media – what impart does it have on road safety management?. Read the inspiring story of a young, new but junior FRSC Marshal, Dotimi, Jennifer Akraka ( RMA111) of Agbor Unit Command. Her story will simply blow your mind. We featured her to represent the indomitable ‘’initiative attitude’’ of an average FRSC Marshal. The same spirit has distinguished the Corps amongst public institutions in the country.

While we wish the FRSC of Nigeria a prosperous future, all the other regular features can be read in this edition. Remember all previous editions of your darling newsletter - FRSC Insight, since inception are available on www.frscinsight.com

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

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IN THIS EDITION ■ The Tesla Model-X - pg 4 ■ FRSC at 24 - pg 5 ■ Health Talk: Sickle Cell - pg 8 ■ Quotable Quotes on Leadership - pg 9 ■ Drunk Driving: A True-Life Story - pg 10 ■ One-On-One: An Interview - pg 12

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 Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Publisher

OC Oladele (DCC) Editor–In-Chief

KD Alegieuno (ARC) Editor

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

FRSC at 24

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ccording to the British Prime Minister, David Cameron during last year’s launch of the United Nations decade of action on road safety “every six seconds, someone is killed or seriously injured on the world’s roads.

Addressing this must be an urgent priority for the international community. In the United Kingdom, we have managed to make our roads amongst the safest in the world. Yet despite this, road accidents are still the leading cause of deaths for British teenagers and young adults, with the loss of six or seven people in road crashes everyday”. The 2004 World Health Organization I conjunction with the World Bank, released a global report on road traffic crashes and injuries indicating that about 1.3 million die annua-lly across the globe with 50 million injured persons with attendant socio-economic , health and cultural challenges posed by this unpleasant trend... See page 16

www.frscinsight.org

FRSC INSIGHT MARCH 2012

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Tesla-X

electically powered tesla model-X

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he Model X prototype was made public at Tesla’s design studios in Los Angeles on February 9th, 2012. The car is a full-sized battery electric crossover sport utility vehicle and powered solely by electric motors, therefore has zero emissions. The Model X has “falcon-wing” doors which open upward making access to the third row of seats for rear passengers. The Model X is a cross-over that offers sufficient room than the company’s Model S Sedan and original sporty Roadster. For this purpose the electric SUV has two trunks, one in the rear and another under up front, located in the space where the engine would normally be found.

Elon Musk, founder and CEO said that Tesla Model X has more utility than a minivan, and better performance, much better performance than an SUV. With the rising cost of fuelling, it is

said that the potential savings on fuel will be much greater for this larger class of vehicles than for compacts and is likely to provide a faster payback on its premium price. The features include a four bucket seats and a 17-inch capacitive touchscreen interface as found in the Model S. It also has a full thirdrow of seating which is accessible by sliding the middle row forward, allowing it to hold up to seven passengers and their luggage. The concept Model X weighs about 10% more than the Model S and shares about 60% of its content. Tesla expected to be able to go from 0 to 97 kilometres per hour in about 4.4 seconds. The Model X is expected to cost in the range of N8, 690,000 to N11, 850,000 ( $55000 - $7500). The Company plans to begin production by 2013 and launch the vehicle into the market by 2014.

FRSC INSIGHT MARCH 2012

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ccording to the British Prime Minister, David Cameron during last year’s launch of the United Nations decade of action on road safety “every six seconds, someone is killed or seriously injured on the world’s roads. Addressing this must be an urgent priority for the international community. In the United Kingdom, we have managed to make our roads amongst the safest in the world. Yet despite this, road accidents are still the leading cause of deaths for British teenagers and young adults, with the loss of six or seven people in road crashes everyday”. The 2004 World Health Organization I conjunction with the World Bank, released a global report on road traffic crashes and injuries indicating that about 1.3 million die annually across the globe with 50 million injured persons with attendant socio-economic , health and cultural challenges posed by this unpleasant trend.

24 And The United Nations’ Decade of Action For Road Safety BY OHAERI OSONDU OHAERI OSONDU is Staff Officer Media Relations, Corps Public Education Office, FRSC HQ Abuja

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Spurred by this development, the United Nations General Assembly had in March 2009, called for a Ministerial meeting on road safety which took place in November of the same year in Moscow, Russia with the Federal Road Safety Corps as the nation’s lead agency on road safety management and traffic administration, in attendance with 70 Ministers and other senior government representatives from 150 countries taking a firm stand which culminated in the United Nations General Assembly resolution 64/2010 declaring 2011-2020 as the UN decade of action on road safety with a clarion call for improved investment and increased consciousness on road safety issues.

Presently, road traffic injuries are a growing public health issue disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups of road users including the poor with Nigeria losing about 3% of GDP, translating to about 17% of current national reserves, annually on road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Nevertheless, this scenario is preventable hence the need for road traffic injuries prevention to be incorporated into a wide range of activities such as the development and manage-ment of road infrastructure, mobility planning, provision of health and hospital services and urban and environmental planning.

Little wonder the United Nations road map on road safety is anchored on 5 pillars: road safety management, infrastructure, safe vehicles, road user behavior and post crash care. Prior to its 24th anniversary, the Federal Road Safety Corps has proactively identified 3 critical but vital components towards aligning effectively with this global cause on safer road use in the next decade thus: DRIVER: Full implementation of the driver’s license upgrade, certification and regulation of all driving schools, compulsory visual acuity test to sieve out drivers with blurred vision and compulsory training of prospective drivers by a training school.

VEHICLE: Improve collaboration with state motor vehicle administration agencies, enforce the use of safety standard in vehicles, motor park monitoring and sustained investigation on all road traffic crashes with 6 deaths threshold.

ROAD: Constitution of a National Council on Road Safety, adoption of a safe corridor model for all state and federal roads, creation of a common technological platform for all agencies involved in road safety and carrying out regular road safety audit on the nation’s highways. With this in mind, the FRSC has further initiated a strategic road map towards reversing the present disturbing trend of 161 deaths from road

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crashes per 10,000 vehicles in Nigeria to 2.0 deaths per 10,000 vehicles by 2020. Also contained in this road map, is the projected procurement of 2, 900 patrol vehicles, 58 heavy duty tow trucks, 1,150 motor bikes, 360 multi carrier ambulances with life support facilities, in addition to expansion of its work force to 28, 500 regular marshals and 30,000 special marshals.

In the interim, the Corps has increased its Unit Commands to 175, registered about 2,820 transport operators under the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme platform, and trained 1,488 drivers nationwide between January- December, 2011 under the Drivers’ Standardized Scheme Programme and the monitoring of 72,677,152 passengers who travelled with 5,281,397 vehicles from various motor parks across the country.

FRSC has also influenced road user behaviour through a 73% increase in traffic offenders arrested from 322,134 in 2007 to 557,581 in 2011 with fines generation hitting N1.36billion at the end of last year. Under the post crash care, several staff of the Corps has undertaken specialized training on trauma care with the establishment of the Abuja Emergency Ambulance Scheme to complement 38 road side clinics nationwide, this has resulted to a 4.91 decrease in the number of injured persons as at last year and over 36,844 casualties rescued alive.

In the same vein, World Bank is funding 5 designated “safe corridors” along Benin-Ifon-Akure-Ilesha road, Mokwa-BidaLambata-Suleja road, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, BauchiSamiya-Gombe-Biu road and the Enugu-Abakiliki- Ogoja junction- Mfum road under a sustained project of road rehabilitation, deployment of safety components, improved roads and markings, enhanced capacity for public enlightenment and enforcement of traffic infractions as a pilot scheme which will be extended to other highways in the country.

With 35% of the nation’s 198,000 kilometre road network being motorable on present estimated population of 8 million registered vehicles and projected 40 million by 2020, it is imperative to consider adopting the G-8 summit resolution in Nigeria which prescribes the dedication of 10% of road contracts to road safety, strong legal frame work to enhance the capacity for enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, improved funding backed with a strong political will and concerted sustained efforts across a range of sectors , will no doubt; put Nigeria on the same pedestal with other nations across the globe. Acting now will lead to a realistic reduction to 2.0 deaths per 10,000 vehicles by 2020.

FRSC INSIGHT FEBRUARY 2012

sickle 08

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ICKLE CELL DISORDER (SCD) is the most commonly inherited blood disorder that affects millions of people, it gives rise to so many complications, and can also lead to death thereby denying the society useful active years of the victims.

Epidemiological studies have shown that one out of every four Nigerians is either AS or SS genotype. This has created a threat to public health. Hence it has become paramount to create awareness among staff of the Corps.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell (SCD) is a genetic disease that is inherited from both parents that results in red blood cell abnormality or disorder. It causes red blood cells to change shape and become sticky, giving them the potential to tangle like cloth hangers and vessels-hence the name. This blockage, depending on where it occurs in the body can cause tissue damage, painful episodes and even stroke.

Sickle Cell

SYMPTOMS: the symptoms of SCD vary widely from person to person; from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fatigue, pallor, jaundice, shortness of breath and pain in organs and joints. Without proper medical care, SCD can lead to even more serious medical problems, such as damage to most organs and untimely death. That is why it is important for people with the disease to receive consistent medical care throughout their life, and to work with physicians on a proper treatment plan.

PREVALENCE/FINDINGS: According to a report by the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) About 24% of Nigerians carry the trait, with up to 150,000 babies born with the disease every year.

CONCLUTION: single, in courtship and are still young in marriage are urged to go for genotype test as STEM CELL SOLUTION recently discovered seems to give a ray of hope.

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uotes The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change.

The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. Robert F. Kennedy Every time we open our mouths, men look into our minds. - Anonymous The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable man adapts the world to himself. All progress depends upon the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw Tell me and I forget; show me and I remember; involve me and I understand - Anonymous I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather have one walk beside me than merely point the way. - David O. McKay A gentle hand may lead even an elephant by a single hair - Iranian Proverb The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

- Ralph Nader Let's not just transform those in need, we can also find ways to help transform those in power. -Anonymous One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man. - Elbert Hubbard Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -Anonymous The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own. - Benjamin Disraeli Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:15 (see also v.14- 16)

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My name is Tonye and this is my story:

I

am a successful businessman with everything to show for it. Though young, I had everything I dreamed about and life was good. As a habit, I enjoy drinking and I also like the thrilling feeling of driving on high speed especially on the highways as I take little or no cognizance to traffic lights and signs. Those to me were meant for drivers who are not smart.

On several occasions, I had been apprehended by the FRSC and the VIO, even the police on accounts of recklessness, drunk driving and of course speeding on different occasions but to no avail. Seatbelts limits my freedom and I sometimes adjust only when I see traffic officials. This made me begin to avoid men in uniforms generally whenever I am on the highway.

Then the unthinkable happened. On this fateful night, I went out as usual and was totally drunk. At about 2a.m, I was driving on top speed as the roads were free, I totally forgot about strapping my seatbelts and I was with two of my friends in the car. I had no idea where I was because I just kept driving. All of a sudden, I heard a loud noise from the passenger side and I jerked off my seat. That was the only thing I remembered.

I woke up four days later to discover myself in the hospital heavily bandaged. As I opened my eyes weakly, I felt lost but after I was fully awake, I was told that simply because I ignored the traffic lights and I was driving on top speed, an oncoming

DrunkDriving A TRUE LIFE STORY

BY OTUFALE

BOLADE

NYSC PAU, RSHQ

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truck ran into the vehicle. On asking about my friends, I was told that they were both dead and that I cannot walk again. Six months gone, I still can’t forgive myself for the death of my two friends on my account not to talk of the shocking realization that I can never walk again. All hopes dashed and all dreams lost due to a simple act of negligence.

COMMENTS Traffic laws are meant to curb our excesses and the appropriate organizations are charged to enforce the laws. Drunk driving, speeding and seatbelt violations among others are regarded as traffic offences punishable under the law. Although these laws are laid to ensure maximum protection of road users and to reduce road traffic crashes.

Attention should be placed on Tonye’s case as the cause of his traffic crash is totally avoidable. Tonye as a traffic law offender is an example of so many self inflicted causes of road traffic crashes today. Most road traffic crashes are caused by nonadherence to traffic laws and regulations, carelessness of road users and motorists; in which case destruction of lives and properties is imminent.

Also, avoidance of the officials meant to enforce such laws on account of non-adherence or violation is another rampant occurrence among our motorists today. This level of decadence is so high that road traffic crashes seems like part of everyday life despite warnings through the media.

Furthermore, the aftermath effect of road traffic crashes is not only physical through death or permanent injury but also the emotional trauma caused by road traffic crashes. In Tonye’s case, he still lives with the guilt of being responsible for the death of his two friends after his own narrow escape. This sinking feeling has a severe damaging and long-term effect on a man’s life, dreams and aspirations.

However, there are thousands of Nigerians with great potentials whose lives have been shortened by road traffic crashes. The effect on the nation being loss of human resources needed to develop to its full potential. Traffic laws and regulations should therefore be obeyed, no matter how inconsequential in order to curb excessive road traffic crashes.

Life is lived only once and is too precious to be lost, so the fight against road traffic crashes start from each individuals; the motorists, commuters, and every road user.

In this light, we must all realise that it is our collective responsibility and therefore there is a need for safe driving in order to build a country which is rich; not only in abundant resources but also in skills manpower and initiative through its human population.

one-on-one

ONE Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. This simple quote by David Thomas, defines the action of Jennifer Akraka Dotimi RMA III, a staff of RS5.22, Agbor Unit Command. But for her initiative late Tocukwu Eze’s Kith and kin would never have known that their loved one was killed in a road traffic crash. They would have been searching for him thinking and hoping that he would one day join them. In this interview with Jennifer, you will find out how she was able to go an extra mile to achieve an otherwise impossible mission.

ON

ONE May we meet you?

My name is Jennifer Akraka Dotimi RMIII When did you join the Corps?

July 2011 and was posted to RS5.22, Agbor Unit Command Why are you in HQ? COMACE sent for me May we know why he sent for you?

It is in respect of the death of one Eze David Tochukwu, who passed away on Friday 06 April 2012 along Abudu - Agbor road as a result of road traffic crash. I did not go for the rescue which lasted until Saturday. That day I was on base duty, where his phones and properties were handed over to me. I noticed that the

an interview

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phones were off so I decided to charge them with the hope of getting in touch with any of his relatives. After charging them I discovered that they were locked with codes hence could not access the names in the contact. However, I was able to see his picture and name in the memory card. The following day I took permission from the Rescue Officer to visit a Cafe to get a profile of him. When I opened my facebook page, I typed his name. It was the only Eze David Tochukwu I saw, and the picture on the facebook matched the one in the memory card. I opened his page and I saw his siblings’ names. I clicked on the sister’s name, fortunately her phone number was on the page.

I dialled the number, when she picked I asked her if she had a brother by that name and if she was aware that he undertook a journey. She told me that she was not too sure but would find out and get back to me. I hung up.

About ten minutes later, the brother called me, I told him that his brother, Tochukwu undertook a journey and was involved in an accident that he needed medical attention. I told him to come to Agbor Command, he hung up. After about twenty minutes another call came in. This time it was Tochukwu’s uncle who wanted to find out if he was dead or not. I told him that it was not in my place to give such information, that he should come to Agbor Unit Command. He said that he would report me to COMACE for withholding information from him. I told him it was okay since I was doing my job and he hung up.

Not long after he hung up, DCM Ops, BO Oyeyemi called me and tried to find out Tochukwu what happened I referred him to my UC, He hung up and later called me back again and told me who he was and I gave him the information that the victim was dead. He then asked me of my name and rank which I told him. He asked if I have any other qualification and I told him yes. I was later directed to come to Abuja on COMACE’s invitation. This is the end of the story.

What made you take this particular course of action?

I just had pity on the dead victim, for the fact that none of his relatives knew where he was. I felt at least he deserved a decent burial. So I decided to search for his relatives through the available means because he would have just been buried with his family endlessly searching for him.

When you opened your facebook did you try to add him as a friend?

No, I only searched for his name and photo.

What made you think that by searching facebook his profile would be there?

His blackberry had seven facebook messages but I could not access them.

How did the RTC happen?

I was told that a trailer fell on top of the car Tochukwu was travelling in.

Was he the one driving?

Honestly, I don’t know since I was not at the rescue scene Have you ever participated in rescue operation?

I have never gone for rescue before. I am in the RTSSS Unit.

Why did you join FRSC? My passion to help those in need and my love for uniform job.

Since you joined FRSC has your expectations been met?

Yes, it has been met. I am happy with what I do, it gives me joy and also put bread on my table.

How would you want to see FRSC in the next 100 years?

I want to see an improved organisation, an epitome of success.

What went in your mind when the chief executive of your organisation summoned you?

I was scared I thought I had done something wrong to my greatest surprise he told me I did a job well done. I was very happy that he appreciated my initiative.

What advice do you have for others?

Just go the extra miles not minding the inconveniences. It will help us to get our job well done.

Thank you

Decade of Action for Road Safety is attainable!

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