By Rebecca Sedinam Affor
Christmas is already here and the month is pregnant with lots of fun-filled activities and journeys.
Speaking on Safety on Our Roads during the 2022 festive season, the Planning Manager of the Ghana National Road Safety Authority, Mr. Felix Owusu said on the GTV Breakfast Show that there has been a reduction in road accidents by eighteen percent comparing January to October 2021 to January to October 2022 in road crashes, injuries and death.
He stated that though there has been a reduction, festive seasons like Christmas accounts for high number of accidents. He advised motorists to be vigilant on the road and avoid drinking when driving, drivers should have enough sleep, and avoid wrongful overtaking on the roads amongst others to prevent road crashes during this season.
Mr. Owusu believes that the level of awareness at Churches, Mosques and Terminals to educate people on road safety has resulted in a reduction in road accidents.
He entreated pedestrians to avoid running during the crossing of the road.
When asked to clarify rumors that Accidents Motorist are not been well cared for in Hospitals, Dr. Emefa Dzide- Financial Secretary for the National Association of Public Health Students of University of Ghana (NAPS-UG), said motor accident victims are given attention.
“People blame motorists and lots of them are not very obedient to road signs, motor riders speed through when the traffic lights turn red. Making it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road. Motorists sometimes rides on the walkway. Due to these, it reduces the compassion nurses have for motorists. When a driver, pedestrian and motor rider are involved in an accident the nurses will rally behind the pedestrian” she said.
Dr. Gloria Fiifi Yankson on the other hand stated utmost care is given to riders although it can be frustrating, and she entreated drivers to ensure the use of helmets at all times.