TRACE Organises Road Safety Sensitisation Campaign, As Crashes, Fatality Figures Jump In First Quarter 2026

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The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), has expressed concern over the rising number of road crashes and fatalities recorded across Ogun State, revealing that crash statistics for the first quarter of 2026 exceeded those of the corresponding period in 2025.

The warning was issued during a road safety sensitisation campaign organised by TRACE Ogun West Zonal Command, with the theme, “Road Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility.” The programme brought together officials of TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, transport stakeholders and members of the public.

Presenting the agency’s crash statistics, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Commander Olusola Johnson, disclosed that road crashes and fatalities increased significantly between January and March 2026 when compared with the same period in 2025.

According to him, TRACE recorded 74 road crashes and 47 deaths in the first quarter of 2025, while 88 crashes and 65 fatalities were recorded during the corresponding period in 2026, representing an increase of 14 crashes and 18 deaths.

Johnson described the trend as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that, despite sustained public enlightenment campaigns, crashes continued to occur frequently on major roads within the Ogun West Zonal Command.

“The trend is not encouraging. The rising number of crashes and fatalities is unacceptable to the state government and the agency. We must intensify public sensitisation and encourage all road users to take responsibility for safety on our roads,” he said.

He urged motorists to adopt defensive driving habits and remain vigilant at all times.

“You should regard yourself as the only normal driver on the road and remain alert because other road users may act unpredictably. This mindset will help drivers avoid preventable crashes,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Agency’s Most Senior Commander, Commander Elias Omonaiyajo, the Head of Public Education and Enlightenment, Commander Fatoberu Oluwatoyin, warned that road crashes continue to destroy lives, families and aspirations.

She noted that the death of one individual often affects an average of 15 other people, stressing that no matter how lofty a person’s ambitions may be, death abruptly ends such dreams.

Cmdr. Fatoberu urged motorists to comply with road safety regulations, especially during the rainy season, when visibility is reduced and roads become more hazardous.

“The rains are here, and motorists must be extra careful. We must ensure compliance with road safety regulations and take every precaution necessary to protect lives,” she said.

She also condemned indiscriminate parking on roads, describing it as a major cause of avoidable crashes because it obstructs visibility for other motorists.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Zonal Commander, Ogun West Zonal Command, TRACE, Commander Ajibade Adekunle, said the sensitisation programme was organised to address persistent road safety challenges in the region and promote greater compliance with traffic regulations.

He thanked stakeholders for their attendance and reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring safer roads for all users.

Also speaking at the event, the Divisional TRACE Commander, Agbara, Commander Onasoga Adekunmbi, identified human error, adverse weather conditions and mechanical defects as the three major causes of road crashes.

According to him, distractions, speeding, reckless driving, fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol remain significant contributors to road traffic incidents.

He urged vehicle owners to carry out regular maintenance on their vehicles and advised motorists to adjust their speed to prevailing road and weather conditions.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility. The most effective speed limit is common sense. Drivers must always consider traffic, road and weather conditions before deciding how fast to travel,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ota Command, Mamadu Adamu, reminded motorists that they share the road with other human beings who are capable of making mistakes.

“One important thing to remember is that you are not alone on the road. Every road user can make mistakes; therefore, motorists must drive defensively and remain alert at all times,” he said.

Similarly, the Divisional Police Officer, Ota, CSP Onime Peter, assured participants that the police would continue to monitor traffic situations, particularly around the Ota Tollgate corridor, to identify challenges and enforce compliance with road safety regulations.

He stressed the importance of regular assessment of enforcement activities and collaboration among relevant agencies to improve safety outcomes.

The stakeholders unanimously agreed that reducing crashes and fatalities on Ogun 27 major traffic corridors would require stronger enforcement, sustained public education, responsible driving habits and collective commitment from all road users.

The event concluded with a renewed call on motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to embrace safety-conscious behaviour and support government efforts aimed at reducing road crashes and saving lives.

In his closing remarks, Commander Salau Hammed, the Divisional TRACE Commander, Ota Division, commended the speakers for their insightful analysis and the various Union members on ground for attending the all important event, while calling on everyone to put to actions all the recommendations put forward.