The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS5 comprising Edo, Delta and Anambra, says it recorded 139 deaths in 359 Road Traffic Crashes between June and December.

Mr Emmanuel Abe, Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of the zone, disclosed this in Benin on Tuesday while addressing motorists at the flag off of the 2020 ember month campaign.

Abe disclosed that 1,649 people were involved in the crashes, which recorded 687 injured persons.

He, therefore, advised the motorists and tricycle operators, popularly called keke, to desist from driving against traffic and avoid overloading.

The ZCO also cautioned them against excessive speed, non usage of seat belt, making calls while driving and other acts capable of causing road traffic crashes especially as the Christmas celebration approaches.

He however assured travelers passing through zone of a free and smooth journey devoid of traffic holdups.

Abe added that FRSC marshals have been strategically positioned along the traffic corridors including the Onitsha Niger Bridge for traffic control.

The ZCO appealed on all road users especially commercial drivers to drive safely and stick to all safety rules especially during the yuletide.

He wished drivers and all travelers a merry Christmas and prosperous new year 202