Impunity on the roads must stop

With the approach of the December general election and the Yuletide, we are particularly concerned about the number of accidents that the nation has to contend with. This is so because most of our drivers throw caution to the wind in the name of maximizing profit from the season.

But it appears to us that as a nation we are not walking the talk by giving priority to the enforcement of road traffic regulations to reduce the rate of accidents on the major roads. Our road traffic officers must be allowed to enforce the rules governing the use of the roads without any fear or favour.

That will also call for the co-operation of all stakeholders, particularly passengers, some of whom encourage drivers to be reckless on the roads, while those who are bold to speak out are condemned.

The Tamale–Bolgatanga highway is one of the products of the sacrifices of Ghanaian taxpayers to make that stretch safe and comfortable for travellers. Regrettably, instead of a pleasurable experience, many passengers travel on that stretch with their tongues out, praying that they will arrive at their destinations safely.

It is unfortunate that some drivers of the Metro Mass Transit (MMT), by their actions, are trying to give the company a bad name in order to hang it. Besides Yutong buses, mini buses and  207 Mercedes Benz buses, other vehicles that cause accidents frequently on the roads are those of the MMT.

Once upon a time, Ghanaians enjoyed road transport services provided by STC buses because the company’s drivers respected road regulations.

We think the MMT should re-train its drivers, so that they will be extra careful on the road to gain the confidence of road users.

Furthermore, the Daily Graphic thinks that personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, transport operators and other road traffic institutions must step up their game to stop those reckless drivers from turning our roads into graveyards.

As it is now, many people do not sleep until their loved ones call to inform them that they have arrived at their destinations safely.

The impunity on our roads must be stopped now to end the carnage associated with road transport.