The President, Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, has described the condition of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) as traumatising.
Shehu-Mohammed stated this during a visit to victims of road crashes at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, commemorated globally every third Sunday of November.
The ROSOWA president said that the year 2025 theme “Remember, Support, Act.” was timely while calling for renewed commitment to safer motoring across the country.
She said the visit was aimed at remembering victims who had lost their lives, supporting survivours, and advocating renewed action to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths nationwide.
“It is traumatising to be here and see many crash victims, some unconscious and some beyond recognition.
“There is need for a wake-up call for safer motoring activities across the federation.
“We must advocate, yearn and agitate for all drivers and stakeholders to put hands on deck to bring road crashes to the barest minimum,” she said.
The ROSOWA President advised Nigerians to prioritise safety on the roads, warning against speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving.
“My advice is simple. Drive safely, don’t speed, don’t drink and drive.
“When you see something, say something. Always check your vehicles before any journey and avoid distractions such as texting or calls while driving,” she added.
During the visit, ROSOWA took over the medical care and welfare of Mrs Mary, an unconscious hit-and-run victim who had been at the hospital for four weeks without any family members present.
Shehu-Mohammed said that the association would cater for her feeding, medication and general welfare for 30 days.
“The military personnel who rescued her brought her here, and ROSOWA will take up her bills,” she maintained.
NAN reports that the association also donated N50,000 and relief materials to another female victim whose leg was amputated following a crash.
In his remarks, a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of the Surgical Emergency Unit at the FMC, Dr Timothy Samaila, commended the ROSOWA for showing concern for RTCs victims.
Samaila emphasised that their visit reflected genuine compassion and commitment to saving lives.
“I feel so happy that the accident victims have people who have them at heart and show concern for their welfare.
“They have given their time to see what we do here and to advise the public on safety measures. Prevention is always the best cure, especially for traumatic brain injuries,” he said.
Speaking on the major causes of crashes often treated at the facility, Samaila said that human factors remained the leading contributors.
He listed reckless driving, hit-and-run incidents, and mechanical faults as the most common causes of crashes within Abuja.
He lauded ROSOWA for their visit and advocacy, stressing that such engagements help promote prevention, which remains the most effective way to curb trauma cases.
Items donated include wheelchairs, crutches, sanitary pads, pampers, cotton wools, bandages, and money.
