A total of 117 pedestrians killed in Eastern Region

Koforidua, Aug 12, GNA – At least 117 pedestrians were killed in the Eastern Region from January to August by over-speeding drivers who knocked them down at various places.

The victims included children below 10 years who were all killed as a result of injuries sustained in their attempt to cross a road.

Superintendent of Police James Sarfo Peprah, the Eastern Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic Transport Unit (MTTU), told the GNA on Friday said the figure had increased over the that of last year.

In 2010 the pedestrian knockdowns was 61 out of which only three survived the injuries and called on pedestrians to be careful when crossing the roads.

Mr Sarfo-Peprah said drivers who failed to observe road traffic regulations, especially those that deal with speed limits permitted in towns, would be dealt with.

He said the speed limit permissible for driving in towns was between 30 and 50 kilometers per hour but many drivers flouted this rule, over speed and overtake in towns putting the lives of other road users in danger.

Mr Sarfo-Peprah said the knockdowns of pedestrians crossing the road in many parts of the region also raised concern of parental care because many children between the ages of five and 10 had been victims.