Greater Accra records 3340 road crashes first half-year of 2013

The Greater Accra Region, recorded 3,340 road crashes, consisting 181 deaths and 1548 injured persons, within the first six months of 2013.

This represents 14 per cent decrease in deaths and 19 per cent decline in injuries, compared to figures in 2012.

Mr Daniel Wuaku, Regional Director of National Road Safety Commission, made this known in Tema on Thursday, at a stakeholder’s forum, on road safety, held for commercial drivers within the District.

He said despite the improvement in figures, the situation is still alarming, adding:  “Those in the road transport sector especially, should go the extra mile to ensure road safety,” he said.

Mr Wuaku urged drivers to abide by basic road regulations, in order to help minimise road crashes within the country.

Mr Thomas Nintori, Tema Regional Manager of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, said drivers should avail themselves of daily, weekly and monthly checks on their cars, to ensure that they are safe and fit for the road.

“No matter how good a driver you are, you may not be able to control your car when there is a sudden mechanical fault as you drive, and this could mean an accident.”

He advised drivers to make it a point to understand road signs, since wrong reading could cause an accident.

“Revise road safety signs regularly so that you do not forget them,” he stressed.

Superintendent Oduro Amaning, Commander of the District Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of Ghana Police Service called on drivers to use the road in a way that ensures safety of other users.

He cautioned commercial vehicle drivers who do not have the required drivers’ licenses, to legally obtain one immediately, or risk police arrest and prosecution.

Source: GNA