“Drink-Driving Deaths in Nigeria: Lack of Enforcement Leads to Tragic Losses, Says Victor Ayeni”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Victor Ayeni, a concerned citizen, recently wrote about the lack of enforcement against drink-driving among motorists in Nigeria. He highlighted how this issue has led to a series of deaths and losses in the country. Ayeni’s article sheds light on some tragic incidents that have occurred due to drunk driving and emphasizes the urgent need for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.

One of the incidents Ayeni mentioned took place in Odigbo town, Ondo State, where a teenage hawker named Bssey Edet was killed by an inebriated driver. Eyewitnesses claimed that the driver was drunk and driving at high speed when he rammed into a motor park, fatally hitting Edet. Thankfully, security operatives intervened and prevented the driver from being lynched. The incident is currently under investigation by the police.

Another incident occurred in Lagos on Christmas Day, where a drunk driver crashed into a road median. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) rescued the driver and rushed him to the hospital for treatment. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki, visited the scene and urged the public not to drink and drive, emphasizing the importance of obeying traffic regulations for everyone’s safety.

In yet another unfortunate incident, a baker named Taofeek Hanofi was crushed to death by a drunk bus driver in the Amukoko area of Lagos. Hanofi and his wife were heading home after work when the bus struck them from behind. Hanofi died instantly, and his wife was unconscious for three days after the accident. She later learned of her husband’s death when she was discharged from the hospital.

The article also mentions a horrifying incident at the annual Calabar Carnival in Cross River State. A vehicle plowed into the crowd, killing seven people and injuring 20 others. The state Commissioner of Police confirmed the incident and stated that the injured were taken to various clinics for treatment.

Even members of the armed forces are not exempt from the dangers of drunk driving. A drunk soldier accidentally knocked down Brigadier General Audu James at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre in Lagos, resulting in the senior officer’s death. The soldier was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time.

These incidents highlight the alarming consequences of drink-driving and the urgent need for stricter enforcement measures. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported a total of 5,700 crashes in the first half of 2023, claiming 2,850 lives. The FRSC also noted a reduction in the number of people injured and rescued from accidents compared to the previous year, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes drink-driving as a significant public health problem that contributes to road crashes worldwide. Even at low blood alcohol levels, drivers experience impaired concentration, coordination, and risk identification. The WHO recommends the implementation of drink-driving laws and blood alcohol concentration limits to prevent these preventable accidents.

The article also includes insights from Mr. Ebenezer Ayinla, a logistics manager at a Lagos-based transport firm. Ayinla shared how the company has experienced significant losses due to road crashes caused by drivers’ inebriation. He highlighted a specific incident where a driver, who was supposed to offload alcoholic beverages, was found drunk and caused substantial damage to the products.

To address this issue, Ayinla’s company has adopted a strict no-alcohol policy at the brewery premises. They use breathalyzers to measure the alcohol levels of drivers entering the company premises. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents and protect both the drivers and the community.

In conclusion, Victor Ayeni’s article sheds light on the devastating consequences of drink-driving in Nigeria. The incidents mentioned highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement, awareness campaigns, and a change in attitudes towards drinking and driving. By implementing stronger measures and promoting responsible behavior, Nigeria can reduce the number of deaths and losses caused by drink-driving and create a safer environment for all road users..