The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has asked drivers to strictly adhere to road safety regulations to prevent road crashes during this year’s Easter festivities.
According to the acting Director of the NRSA, Mr David Sarfo Adonteng, the strict adherence would help reduce the number of cases of road accidents, deaths and injuries in the country.
Mr Adonteng was speaking at the media launch of the 2024 Stay-Alive Easter Campaign organised in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Initiative for Global Road Safety on the theme: “Stop Speeding! Stay Alive”.
According to him, available statistics indicates that 2,260 cases were reported involving 3,910 vehicles, with 369 fatalities, 2,552 injuries and 381 pedestrian knockdowns in the first two months of the year 2024.
As compared to the same period last year, 2,249 cases involving 3,857 vehicles were recorded, resulting in 330 persons killed, 2,502 persons injured and 382 pedestrian knockdowns.
“This shows an increase of 0.49 per cent for crashes, 1.37 per cent for vehicles involved and 2.0 percent for persons injured. Notably, persons killed/fatalities increased by
11.82 per cent all compared to the first two months in 2023.
Despite the unfortunate incidents of the past few days, last year’s situation indicated appreciable improvement in road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths,” he said.
Mr Adonteng noted that the Authority has doubled its efforts with stakeholders to promote a culture of responsible road use through road safety education and awareness campaigns. However, some drivers continue to be reckless on the road putting other road users in danger.
The Director-General said statistics from the NRSA highlights that excessive speeding was the major contributor to road traffic casualties, with alarming percentages of fatalities and injuries.
Adding that driving under the influence of alcohol, driving tired and the use of unprescribed lamps further exacerbate the risks on our roads.
“The Easter holiday period brings with it a surge in motorisation, leading to heightened traffic congestion and increased road safety risks, drivers tend to drive at high speeds, tired and under the influence of alcohol, so motorists must be reminded of the risks associated with these activities,” he noted.
To manage the road safety risks during this period, Mr Adonteng said NRSA would partner with stakeholders to increase road user education and sensitisation efforts in the media, churches, lorry terminals, and markets to empower road users, especially passengers and pedestrians.
He also noted that NRSA would partner with Bloomberg Philanthropies to run a mass media campaign focusing on speed and the need for motorists to slow down on roads to ensure safety for both driver and passenger.
He added that NRSA joined hands with Ghana Police Service to Intensify Pre-Trip Operational Inspections at major transport terminals to ensure vehicles and drivers departing major terminals meet the minimum safety requirements for the respective journeys.
“Have a special education and enforcement exercise on the N6 highway, from Nsawam through Suhum, Bunso junction leading up to the Kwahu. In addition, there shall be a dedicated education exercise for travellers at the Linda Dor and Paradise Rest Stops on Friday,March 29, 2024.”
BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA
