The Bono Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has initiated a comprehensive road safety campaign in collaboration with various stakeholders, urging drivers to prioritize adherence to road traffic regulations during the Christmas season.
Partnering with road agencies, transport unions, and emergency services, including the Ghana Highways Authority, Police Motto Traffic and Transport Department, Ghana National Fire Service, National Insurance Commission, Department of Urban Roads, and others, the NRSA has intensified road safety education campaigns in the Bono Region.
Since Monday, December 18, representatives from these organizations have been conducting awareness programs at major lorry stations and bus terminals across the region. Stations visited include Nana Bosoma Central market, Atronie station, O Ampofo Transport terminal, and Sunyani main lorry station.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Abigail Atinpoka, the Bono Regional Head of the NRSA, emphasized the notorious association between Christmas and New Year with road traffic crashes. The education campaign particularly focuses on speeding, a major contributor to accidents in the country.
“This problem of increased travel speed is particularly alarming, as studies have revealed that over 90 percent of drivers exceed speed limits right after crossing congested areas and at least 60 percent on rural highways,” Madam Atinpoka stated.
She highlighted the dire consequences of speeding, responsible for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities and contributing significantly to overall road fatalities. During the Christmas season, motorists tend to speed excessively due to increased travel and economic activities.
Statistics provided by Madam Atinpoka indicated that speeding is associated with nearly 40 percent of fatalities and over 32 percent of injuries. The analysis underscores the urgency of targeted interventions to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries.
Expressing gratitude to stakeholders for their support, Madam Atinpoka hopes that commercial drivers will adhere to traffic regulations to contribute to reducing accidents during the festive season.