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 main routes in Oyo State have drawn the attention of people to the roles and statutory responsibilities of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Therefore, this research was established to assess statutory duties of FRSC at limiting road crashes in Oyo State. This work was limited to 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 11 LGAs that made up Ibadan and its environs. The study adopted the simple random technique using well-structured questionnaires to elicit information on the statutory duties of FRSC as one of the road transport enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Out of one hundred and ten (110) respondents ranging from commercial drivers, private vehicle owners, commercial motorcyclists, commuters, and road accident victims, 103 questionnaires were retrieved and found analysable. The collected data was analysed through descriptive data analysis. Out of 22 statutory duties of Federal Road Safety Corps, only seven were discharged effectively. It can then be inferred that the operational performance of the FRSC is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study recommends that the authorities should give prompt medical attention and care to accident victims on the road, enforce speed limits with the use of speed limit devices. The use of mobile phones 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 to the reduction of road accidents. The use of sirens, beacon lights, and flashers should be well controlled, and the war against fake drivers' license should be enhanced.