Abeokuta, Ogun State — The Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akinwumi Fasaki, has advised motorists to ensure they get adequate rest before embarking on long journeys to prevent accidents caused by fatigue. This appeal followed a tragic road accident on Monday that claimed four lives and left eight others injured.
In a statement released by the FRSC’s Spokesperson, Mrs. Florence Okpe, Commander Fasaki emphasized the importance of rest for drivers, recommending a break of 15 to 30 minutes after every four hours of continuous driving. “Drivers need maximum rest to function properly,” he urged.
The accident, which occurred around 2 p.m. on the Sagamu-Benin expressway at RCC in Ogbere, involved a Toyota Hiace bus. According to Mrs. Okpe, the crash was caused by fatigue on the part of the driver, leading to a loss of control. “The vehicle hit the road divider, somersaulted, and caught fire,” she explained.
The crash involved 18 passengers—eight men and ten women. Four men and four women sustained injuries, while three women and one man tragically lost their lives.
The injured were taken to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, where the deceased were also transported to the morgue.
This incident highlights the recurring danger of driver fatigue, as Fasaki reiterated the FRSC’s call for caution, particularly as roads become busier during the festive season.
Road safety officials continue to stress the importance of rest, as driver fatigue remains a leading cause of road crashes across Nigeria. The FRSC is urging all drivers to prioritize safety over speed, emphasizing that adequate rest could mean the difference between life and death.