Accidents reduce in first quarter of the year

Statistics available at the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service for the first quarter of the year show that there is a reduction in road accidents.

In 2012, 3,591 accidents were recorded for the first quarter of the year while 3,337accidents were recorded for the first quarter of 2013.

According to Assistant Commisioner of Police (ACP)

Anwutogbe Awuni, 949 private vehicles were involved in road accidents as compared to 768 commercial vehicles for the first quarter of the year,  while 264 pedestrians were also knocked down through road accidents.

ACP Awuni said it was the wish of every Ghanaian to see a reduction in road accidents and his outfit was committed to this cause though the reduction was not yet significant.

He said his outfit was working in unison with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) using the mass media and by meeting stakeholders in the field to sensitise the general public.

According to the MTTU Director, a lot of campaigns and workshops were organised for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and officers of the Ghana Police Service to strengthen road safety regulations and enforce the laws governing road safety without fear or favour.

He said durbars were also held at lorry stations to educate driving and passengers alike.

Additionally, ACP Awuni said some vehicles which were not roadworthy had been impounded while the DVLA had also introduced computer literacy as part of the test which made one eligible to acquire a driving licence.

He said his outfit was yet to conduct a research to find out why private vehicles were involved in accidents more than the commercial ones.

Additionally, ACP Awuni expressed his disappointment at the fact that though motorists who flouted  traffic regulations were arrested and fined, his outfit had not been given any percentage of the fines to buy the logistics such as speed guns and alcohol sensors they needed in the discharge of its duties.

ACP Awuni  implored the Ministry of Roads and Highways to construct good roads to prevent unnecessary road accidents.

He also entreated passengers  to caution drivers if they sped or disregarded traffic regulations.  

By Deborah Cromwell /The Mirror/Ghana