The effectiveness of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) on accident reduction in Nigeria: a study of Bayelsa State

Abstract

The Federal Government of Nigeria established the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in 1988, to deal with the records of road traffic crashes that emanate from the movement of people and goods from one location to another. But despite the establishment /operation of FRSC, the challenges of road traffic crashes are still very high. Consequently, this study was set out to investigate the effectiveness of FRSC on accident reduction in Nigerian roads, particularly in Bayelsa State. The study adopts descriptive and survey research design. It reveals driving under influence of intoxicants, lack of understanding and compliance with road signs, lack of traffic monitoring devices etc. as perceived causes of road accident. Lack of cooperation and hostility from road users, tricycles disobedience to law, lack of government support etc. are identified as the immediate challenges of FRSC in Bayelsa State. The study therefore recommends cooperation through town-hall meetings, strict rule enforcement, continuous re-orientation of road user, serious monitoring of traffic rules and punishment of offender without fear or favour. The government is also asked to provide requisite facilities to aide FRSC in performing their duty effectively.