FRSC
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A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION
www.frscinsight.com MAY 2012
safe reversing
editorial From The Editor-In-Chief
H
ave you ever wondered why ‘ship, according to Albert Einstein is’ ’always safe at the shore - but that is not what it is built for"?. This analogy can be likened to the current efforts at returning Federal Road Safety Corps’ patrols back to the highway. It may be ‘’safer’’ to indulge in urban intracity patrol, but our patrols must go back fully to where the crashes are happening and claiming more lives, and that is the inter city Highways. The time to act is now and I can not agree less with Mark Twain, who says “twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream and discover’’. The story of the ship is as phenomenal as intriguing. Most ocean-going cargo ships have a life expectancy of about 30 years, and constructing a ship, like an aircraft carrier, could take up to 10 years to complete. An oil tanker can carry at once 2 million barrels of crude oil and Maersk Tripple E at the size of 400 metres (1,300 ft) is world’s largest vessel. As massive as today’s ships are, to float, the ship’s weight must be less than that of the water displaced by the ship's hull. Irrespective of its massive size and weigh, a ship in navigation, requires rudder for steering its direction. Would you be the rudder FRSC desires to change course and transform into a world class organisation?. The decision is yours. When the story of FRSC as a world class organisation is eventually told in the future, it would be amazing that you were part of the team that made it possible, and it does not matter how little your contribution is in realising this lofty goal. You can like Sabitu, a Route Commander and computer analyst in the office of the Corps Secretary, start small. Sabitu, who we feature as a model officer for this month started small wanting to be a teacher, when he proceeded to do his National Certificate of Education. He thereafter joined FRSC albeit as a Marshal, but today with determination he has demonstrated the FRSC’s zeal and will power to invent one of the strategic tools for transforming FRSC into a modern and technologically advanced organisation. You will also find out the secret behind how he always lead his peers during promotion examinations. Do you know how to safely reverse a car? Even if you think you know, after reading this edition, you will learn how safely to do so. In this edition of FRSC Insight, you will also read about prostrate cancer and how to manage it. You can also read about the risk factors in early child development, the beauty of mathematics, the world of animals and several other regular stories. As usual, on www.frscinsight.com all editions of FRSC Insight are available for you to read.
OC Oladele (CC) Head, Planning Advisory Unit Editor – In - Chief
FRSC
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IN THIS EDITION ■ Safe Reversing - pg 4 ■ Egg Attack - pg 6 ■ Prostate Cancer - pg 8 ■ Beauty of Math ... - pg 10 ■ Poem on Drunk Driving - pg 12 ■ One-On-One [An Interview] - pg 14
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)
Safe Reversing T
HE act of reversing a vehicle also known as backing-up is one of the most difficult man-ouevre especially to newly certified drivers as it involves moving the car backwards. One of the basic rules of driving is to look into the space you are entering. When you are reversing your vehicle this rule is just as important. Many minor accidents occur when the space behind the driver, which was clear a moment prior to, be-comes filled unexpectedly by a vehicle, or pedestrian which wasn't there before. To help a driver with this manoeuvre most vehicles come with three mirrors as standard. On the inside there is usually a rear view mirror and two wing mirrors – one on the left and one on the right, this can be of great help when reversing but they are also useful when driving forwards. However, a driver should not simply rely on the rear-view mirrors while reversing, unless there is no choice. Sadly, tragedy has struck... See page 16
www.frscinsight.org
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
04
T
HE act of reversing a vehicle also known as backing-up is one of the most difficult manouevre especially to newly certified drivers as it involves moving the car backwards. One of the basic rules of driving is to look into the space you are entering. When you are reversing your vehicle this rule is just as important. Many minor accidents occur when the space behind the driver, which was clear a moment prior to, becomes filled unexpectedly by a vehicle, or pedestrian which wasn't there before. To help a driver with this manoeuvre most vehicles come with three mirrors as standard. On the inside there is usually a rear view mirror and two wing mirrors – one on the left and one on the right, this can be of great help when reversing but they are also useful when driving forwards. However, a driver should not simply rely on the rearview mirrors while reversing, unless there is no choice. Sadly, tragedy has struck, when a driver is not aware that a toddler is playing right behind the vehicle and reverses. Modern technology is progressing and addressing this problem with the installation of rearview cameras. It still may be a little way off until it becomes a standard accessory in all new vehicles. When you need reverse make sure you choose an appropriate place, preferably somewhere quiet where you can execute your manouevre in safety and not hold any other road users up.
safe reversing
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
05 TIPS ON HOW TO REVERSE A CAR CORRECTLY ■ Do not try to reverse into a busy road from a side road or reverse onto a road from a driveway, you should always try to reverse in and drive out. ■ Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can. Look carefully before you start reversing. ■ Use all your mirrors so that you have a good view of your surroundings ■ Check your ‘blind spot’ regularly as you execute the manoeuvre. ■ Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users as they may not realise that you are reversing your vehicle so be sure to check your surroundings for as long as you make the manoeuvre. ■ Checking all around your vehicle – always expect the unexpected. ■ The best way to reverse is to look through the rear window as it gives you the best view of what is behind your vehicle. • Remember use all your mirrors as additional aids as they may pick up an obstruction that you may not have noticed out of the rear screen. ■ Always remember that when you reverse around a corner, the front of your vehicle will swing out, before you execute this part of the manoeuvre make sure there are no obstructions close to the front of your car. ■ If you cannot see clearly what is behind your vehicle then ask your passenger to guide you through the manoeuvre safely. . SOME BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR REVERSING A CAR ■ Place your right hand at the top (12 o'clock) position of the steering wheel. If your steering wheel is in a straight position to start, you will know throughout the reversing manoeuvre, without having to look, that at the highest point, the steering wheel is again straight. ■ Carefully watch the entire rear window, looking deep into the picture behind, and adjust the steering wheel accordingly. A slight turn from the 12 o'clock position will dramatically change direction. ■ Turn your body around to the left to view the centre of the rear window. You will need to lift yourself up a little to do this. ■ Turn the steering wheel, as you reverse slowly, in the direction, where you would like the back to go - towards 11 o'clock, if you want the back to move towards the left, or toward the 1 o'clock position, if reversing towards the right. It is a matter of perspective. When looking through the rear window of your vehicle, it may appear there is little room to maneuver. However, when viewing the same distance through the reflection of a shop window, the real picture shows how much room there is to play with. Know the dimensions of your vehicle. When backing into a driveway or around a corner, apply the same principle: Look behind and turn the wheel in the direction you would like to travel. Remember, if you have turned the steering wheel one complete turn anti-clockwise to reverse around a corner, it has to be turned back, clockwise, one complete turn to be in the straight position.
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
06
egg
attack
EGG ATTACK on Your windshield If you are driving in the late night and was attacked with eggs on your windshield, do not operate your wipers or spray water. Eggs mixed with water become milky and it will block your vision up to 92.5 %. You will be forced to stop at roadside and would end up becoming a victim. This is a new technique used by robbers.
Decade of Action for Road Safety is attainable! Let’s Join hands to create a Safe Road in Nigeria
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
08
C
prostate cancer
ancer which is a malignant tumour or growth is said to be caused by uncontrollable multiplication of cells that destroys healthy tissues in the body. It remains one of the deadly diseases in the world. The Corps Medical & Rescue Office writes on prostrate Cancer. PROSTSTE CANCER ■ Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland. ■ The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located under the urinary bladder. ■It is found only in males and this gland surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the penis. RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER ■ The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. Prostate cancer seldom develops before the age of 40 years. Two out of three cases occur in men over the age of 65 years. ■ In terms of geographical distribution, it is most common in North America and North Western Europe but rare in South America, the Near East and Africa.
■ Men whose fathers or brothers develop prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease. ■ A gene known as hereditary prostate cancer 1 (HPC1) appears to significantly predispose men to prostate cancer when inherited in a mutated form. ■ Environmental factors, such as work place exposure to cadmium, have also been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. ■ Diets rich in animal fats, such as red meat or high fat dairy products are strongly linked with prostate cancer.
SYMPTOM OF PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer usually progresses slowly and produces no symptoms in its initial stages . WARNING SIGNS ■Difficult or painful urination. ■Frequent urination, especially at night. ■ Blood in the urine or semen. ■ Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thigh.
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
09 These symptoms, however, may have other causes, such as infection or prostate enlargement. SCREANING AND DIAGNOSIS ■ Digital rectal examination. If cancer is present, a physician may feel a nodule or other prostate irregularity. ■ The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Prostate cancer cells over produce this protein, causing an elevation of PSA levels in blood. ■ If screening test suggests cancer may be present, a physician usually performs a biopsy. ■ The biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer. ■ The American cancer society recommends that men aged 50 years and older consider having an annual digital rectal examination and PSA test. STAGING THE CANCER After prostate cancer is diagnosed, the physician carries out a process called staging. ■ Early-stage cancer either have not spread or have only spread to near by tissues. ■ Later stage cancer have spread farther and usually require more aggressive treatment. TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER ■ The treatment of prostate cancer generally depends on the stage of the cancer and the age of the patient. ■ In men over 70 years of age with early stage prostate cancer,
the disease progresses slowly and patients usually die of other causes before they develop prostate cancer symptoms. Here it is better to forgo surgery or other treatment as long as the condition is regularly monitored. ■ In many cases, a prostatectomy, i.e. surgical removal of prostate is performed, often in conjunction with radiation. ■ Radiation therapy is an alternative to surgery in many cases. It uses x-rays or other high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. ■ In some cases, hormones are used to treat prostate cancer. ■ Chemotherapy- the use of anti-cancer drugs is sometimes recommended when the disease has spread beyond the prostate. ■ Several other treatments for prostate cancer are under investigation. Cryosurgery uses instrument to destroy cancer cells by freezing them. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system defences to flight cancer. High intensity ultrasound uses high energy sound waves to destroy cancer cells. CONCLUSION/PROGNOSIS
■ 90% of prostate cancers are discovered in early stages as a result of more widespread screening. ■ Because prostate cancers grow relatively slowly, the 5 year survival rate for prostate cancer detected in an early stage is nearly 100 percent. ■ The 10 year survival rate is 93%, but the survival rate drops more sharply thereafter. Thus the key to surviving prostate cancer is early screening, detection and diagnosis with prompt treatment.
math FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
10
beauty of math This is fascinating. Be sure to go all the way to the end. Absolutely amazing! 1x8+1=9 12 x 8 + 2 = 98 123 x 8 + 3 = 987 1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876 12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765 123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654 1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543 12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432 123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11 12 x 9 + 3 = 111 123 x 9 + 4 = 1111 1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111 12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111 123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111 1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111 123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111 9 x 9 + 7 = 88 98 x 9 + 6 = 888 987 x 9 + 5 = 8888 9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888 98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888 987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888 9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888 98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888 Brilliant, isn't it? And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1 11 x 11 = 121 111 x 111 = 12321 1111 x 1111 = 1234321 11111 x 11111 = 123454321 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321 1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321 11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321 111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321
Now, take a look at this...
101% From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%. How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life? Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions: If:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
If: H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% And: K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% But: A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% THEN, look how far the love of God will take you: L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D 12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
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
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
12 I went to a party Mom, I remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom, So I drank soda instead. I really felt proud inside, Mom, The way you said I would. I didn't drink and drive, Mom, Even though the others said I should. I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right. Now the party is finally ending, Mom, As everyone is driving out of sight. As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece. I went to a party Mom, I remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom, So I drank soda instead. I really felt proud inside, Mom, The way you said I would. I didn't drink and drive, Mom, Even though the others said I should. I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right. Now the party is finally ending, Mom, As everyone is driving out of sight. As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece. Because of the way you raised me, So responsible and sweet.. I started to drive away, Mom, But as I pulled out into the road, The other car didn't see me, Mom, And hit me like a load.
DrunkDriving A POEM
B Y KAGHO DCC
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
13 As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say, "The other guy is drunk," Mom, And now I'm the one who will pay. I'm lying here dying, Mom.... I wish you'd get here soon. How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.. There is blood all around me, Mom, And most of it is mine. I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time. die in a short time. I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink. It was the others, Mom. The others didn't think. He was probably at the same party as I. The only difference is, he drank And I will die. Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life. I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife. The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, And I don't think it's fair. I'm lying here dying And all he can do is stare . Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave. And when I go to heaven, Mom, Put "GOOD BOY " on my grave. Someone should have told him, Mom, Not to drink and drive. If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive. My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared. Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there. I have one last question, Mom. Before I say good bye. I didn't drink and drive, So why am I the one to die? Let see if we can get a chain going around the world that will make people understand that don't mix drinking and driving. PLEASE DO THE FAVOR !!!!
one-on-one
ONE May we meet you? My name is Sabitu Abdu. I was born in Daura Katsina State on 01 January, 1972. I am a Route Commander (RC) Tell us about your educational background including your professional qualification? I attended Kanti primary school, Daura between 1979 and 1985, after which I went to Government Secondary School, Musawa from 1986 to 1991 before proceeding to Isa Kaita College of Education from 1992 to 1995, where I obtained NCE (Maths /Physics ). Between 1999 and 2003, I was at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto where I obtained BSc Computer Science. I am presently an MSc Computer Science student at the Ahmadu Bello University,
ON
ONE Zaria. I have successfully finished the course work and about to round up my theisis. When did you join the Corps? I joined the Corps on the 5th of January 1998 May we know your department? I am in the office of the Corps Secretary, RSHQ, Abuja as SO (ICT). Tell us the various places you worked before you were posted to your present office? I worked in RS10 Zonal Command Headquarters Sokoto, RS10.1 Sokoto State Sector Command, RSHQ Operations, Office of the DCM (Engr. A Agoro, DCM rtd.) before I come to the Office of the Corps Secretary.
an interview
FRSC INSIGHT MAY 2012
16 During the recent promotion you were the best in your group (DRC – RC), tell us the secret behind this feat. It is the will of God. Personally, I do not take anything for granted. Once it is an exam, I always make adequate preparations and then pray for God’s favour. By adequate preparations, I mean tried my best to ensure that I have all the required reference materials, put in energy and time into studying, ask questions and discuss with colleagues for cross-fertilization of ideas. You may wish to note that this is not the first time I emerged as the best candidate in career progression exams in FRSC. In the 2005 Conversion Exercise Examinations conducted in Jos, I was the overall best among 191 Marshals that sat for the Conversion Examination to Officers’ Cadre. Which specific areas have you contributed to the growth of the Corps? In so many areas ranging from operations, analysis of road traffic crashes data as well as records management. I started as a Marshal under Planning Research and Statistics (PRAS), then we collate and analyse data on road traffic crashes at RS10HQ, Sokoto Zonal Command. Operationally, I worked as a patrol man for some years and by the grace of God it can be testified by those I worked with that I was among the few that dissociated themselves from bribe taking which is regarded as gross patrol misconduct. Because of the trust the Command had in the very few of us, we were moved to the duty office of RS10.1 Sector Command, as you know it is one of the most delicate offices in the field Commands. I was later posted to the Operations department, RSHQ where I worked for only few months. While I was there, I tried to see how I could improve on the existing offenders records that was when I came with the idea of computerization of offenders’ records with the view to imposed penalty disqualification points. I did not stay long there because the then Head of Department was elevated to the rank of DCM, second in Command, as he was moving to his office, I was among the few staff he selected to move with him to his new office. In the new office, we handled so many tasks, the DCM was the then Chairman of Committee for further studies so it was through his initiative we stared keeping soft copies of all applicants for further studies. In 2006, I was the staff who typed the records of the four thousand successful applicants during the 2006 recruitment exercise. As a Member and Assistant Secretary of 2007 Marshal Conversion Board, I was given a commendation letter by the FRSC Management. I did the typing, collation, computation and analysis of results of 2007 promotion exercise, 2007 re-sit promotion exercise, 2009 Marshals Promotion Exercise, 2010 Marshals’ Conversion Exercise and 2011 Recruitment Exercise. Professionally, I was a co-designer of the computerized booking sheet; the first software developed by FRSC staff. This served as a basis for the development of offender’s data manager; a package developed by FRSC for the management of offenders’ records. I also designed a tailor-made database, which has been used for the management of officers’ records
from 2006 to date. Just of recent, I served as a member of the ad-hoc committee on Federal Road Safety Disciplinary Committee under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Olagunju (CC) for the speedy dispen-sation of justice on all disciplinary cases nationwide. We worked for six months, at the end of which the management gave us commendation letters. I served as a rapperteur in the Local Organising Committee of International Road Safety Conference in Africa held in 2008 at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Abuja. At the end of the programme, I was given a com-mendation letter by the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, MFR. As a programmer, which of the programming languages do you use? Visual Basic Programming Language as well as Pascal Programming Language and presently working on Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) What was the reaction of Management or COMACE to the application you designed? We were given full support and we were highly motivated Do you have any professional qualification in IT? No. I want to have an in-depth academic knowledge of IT after which I will go for all the necessary professional certifications. That is why I am pursuing an MSc in Computer Science and I am presently specialising on modern database and web application. I am working on Performance Evaluation of Relational Approach and Native Approach in Extensible Markup Language (XML) Query processing. Who is your role model? Any highly trusted leader How will you want to see the Corps in the next 100 years from now? With the steps FRSC is taking, I am sure by then it will be among the World’s best public organisations. What advice do you have for those who are aspiring to be like you? Well, it is not a big deal; whatever you are doing fear God, you need to be humbled and sacrifice for the improvement and the growth of humanity. Ensure transparency, equity and justice to all. Do not be too ambitious, be honest, always search for knowledge and do not ever betray the trust given to you because betrayal is the beginning of human downfall.