At least, 43 people were killed and 202 injured in 196 road crashes from 24 to December 31 last year and New Year, across the country.
The deceased comprised 37 males and six females, and there were 33 pedestrian knock downs, involving 91 commercial vehicles, 142 private vehicles and 76 motor cycles.
Greater Accra region recorded the highest cases of crashes(65) followed by Eastern region, with 30 crashes.
The Director of operations of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Dr Samuel Sasu Mensah, who disclosed these in an interview with the Ghanaian Timesin Accra yesterday, attributed the causes of the accidents to indiscipline, speeding and wrongful overtaking.
He said the MTTD would enforce traffic regulations without fear or favour, to ensure safety on the roads.
Supt. Dr Mensah stated that with the installation of Closed Circuit Camera Television (CCTV) on the roads, activities of drivers would be closely monitored at the police surveillance centres at the Police headquarters.
He said offenders would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
Supt. Dr Mensah stated that the MTTD would intensify its collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and other stakeholders to bring sanity on the roads.
He said most road accidents could have been avoided if drivers and other road users adhered to precautionary measures.
Supt. Mensah noted that the carnage on roads affected the country’s Gross Domestic Product, human resource and people who were bread winners.
He urged drivers to abide by the road safety regulations to prevent needless and avoidable deaths on the roads.
‘’Wear your seat belts, avoid using mobile phones, electrical gadgets, speeding, overtaking when driving on the roads,’’ Supt. Mensah said.
He also advised other road users, particularly pedestrians, to use designated routes.
Supt. Mensah commended journalists for supporting road safety education.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
