71 die through accidents in Tema

Mr John K. Agboado, Deputy Superintendent of Police in charge of Tema Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) has described the number of death through accident in the municipality as alarming.

The MTTU officer called on drivers to abide by traffic regulations and suggested that the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) should organise refresher courses for drivers to update their knowledge.

He told the GNA that 71 people died through accidents involving 1,188 vehicles last year, adding that 1,055 accidents including 60 fatal ones were recorded in Tema Central and Ashaiman.

Four hundred and thirty people were injured and admitted, while 667 were treated and discharged.

DSP Agboado said most of the accidents occurred through excessive speeding, over loading, drunkenness, defective vehicles as well as disregard for traffic regulations and road signs.

A total of 132 drivers were prosecuted attracting fines to the tune 14.1 million cedis during the period.

He said 763 cases involving unauthorised parking and causing traffic jams among others offences yielded 195.5 million cedis.

The MTTU would intensify road checks to track down drivers, who do not take the safety of other road users into consideration.

In 1999, a total of 254 accidents cases with 51 deaths were recorded while 98.2 million cedis were paid as fine.