COMMENTARY: Frequent Occurrence Of Road Accidents At “Ugwuakpatiozu” In Nnewi And Measures To Stop It
By David Onwuchekwa
The number of road crashes recorded yearly at “Ugwuakpatiozu” along Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Road, Nnewi, Anambra State has become worrisome.
The recent one that happened on this year’s Valentine’s Day which claimed many lives including children is a source for concern.
This recurring decimal has even generated the thinking and speculations that there are evil spirits as masterminds of the regular occurrence of those accidents at the area.
Be that as it may, there are some obvious phenomenal causes of these accidents that the drivers and authorities need to address.
Drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles like trailers and tankers, have been known to speed excessively, leading to loss of control and accidents.
The hilly terrain of “Ugwuakpatiozu”, no doubt, contributes to brake failure, especially if vehicles are not properly maintained.
It is a known fact that many drivers engage in reckless behavior, such as making U-turns without caution or colliding with other vehicles as a result of reckless driving.
Most often those engaged in reckless behavior while driving are under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs which naturally impair their sense of judgement.
These behavioral patterns exhibited by most of the drivers are, to a large extent, the main causes of the frequent road crashes around the “Ugwuakpatiozu”.
The authorities, therefore, should not fold their hands while this carnage continues.
There is need for improved road safety measures. It has become imperative that speed bumps must be installed at the”Ugwuakpatiozu” area for speed control.
There should be improved road lighting especially for night users to enhance visibility and that can for sure help reduce accidents.
Some drivers do not maintain their vehicles until it breaks down. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained, with functional brakes and other essential systems.
To get this right, vehicle inspectors, not the police, should always station themselves around the “Ugwuakpatiozu” axis for inspection of vehicles using the road on a regular basis.
There must be public awareness campaigns to educate the drivers and pedestrians about road safety and the dangers of excessive speed and reckless driving. This can as well help change behavior.
There are traffic laws to be enforced. So, authorities can always activate them such as the laws on speed limits and right-of-way rules, to deter reckless driving and promote road safety.
With these measures in place and religiously applied, frequent occurrence of road crashes around the “Ugwuakpatiozu” area will be a thing of the past.
