NRSA Reports 441 Deaths, 4,000 Injuries in Road Crashes
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has expressed grave concern over the increasing number of deaths and injuries from road accidents in the Ashanti Region.
According to fresh data released by the Authority, a total of 441 lives have been lost and over 4,000 individuals injured in road crashes within the region as of September this year.
Ashanti Regional Assistant Planning Manager at the NRSA, Samuel Adu Gyimah, attributed the surge in accidents to lax enforcement of road traffic regulations and excessive speeding by motorists.
Mr. Adu Gyimah was speaking on the sidelines of a stakeholder engagement organized by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in the Ashanti Region concerning the new number plate roll-out. Reacting to the concerning accident data, he stated, “Yes, the numbers are increasing, you know, because of lack of enforcement in the region, but we’re hoping that with messages that through our media partners we are giving out there, people will start thinking that life is more precious than gold.”
He emphasized that speeding is a leading cause of severe injuries and fatalities, urging all drivers to adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in congested areas.
Fatigue was also identified as a major risk factor. Mr. Adu Gyimah advised drivers to prioritize regular breaks during long journeys and refrain from driving when feeling tired, noting the absence of mandated rest stops often forces drivers to continue despite exhaustion.
“In the Ashanti Region, it is basically because of overspeeding and fatigue. You know, all of the people travel through the center of Ghana before they go to the North or the South, and by the time they come from the North to the center, they are tired already,” he explained.
The NRSA is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other stakeholders to step up enforcement and public awareness campaigns, with a stern warning that lawbreakers will be prosecuted.
Passengers have also been encouraged to take responsibility and report reckless driving to authorities. “Passengers should speak out when they are in the car and find out the driver is doing something that may cause accidents,” Mr. Adu Gyimah added.
Adding his voice to the call for caution, National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Nimako Bresiama, advised drivers to be particularly careful as the roads are expected to become busier during the upcoming festive season.
He admonished drivers to exercise restraint and prioritise safe navigation through traffic, especially in towns and cities. “You cannot earn all the money you need in a short period, so drive safely and deliver passengers to their destinations unharmed,” he said.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
