Central Region records increases in motor accident deaths this year

One-hundred and sixty-two people died through motor accidents in the Central Region from January to September, an increase of 150 last year.

Superintendent of Police Paul Aduhene, the Regional Commander in charge of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit, said this on Monday at a drivers’ unions award ceremony held in Cape Coast on the theme “sustainable growth in the road transportation system: the role of road safety”.

It was organized by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) with the aim to motivate commercial drivers to be more vigilant to help reduce road accidents. Giving statistics on road crashes in the Region from January to September 2011, Aduhene said 727 accidents occurred compared to 752 this year involving 545 commercial vehicles compared to 660 this year.

Motor bike accidents also increased from 77 to 90 this year.

The Metro Mass Transport Limited was adjudged the best and received the first prize, followed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Co-operative Transport Union at the Pedu-junction being third with the fourth position going to the operators of Ford buses Franchol, Transport Services.

They were presented certificates, books on the road act and regulations and warning triangles.

The award-winning transport organizations will have some of their members receive training by the Commission.

The Regional Manager of the NRSC, Mr. Stephen Anokye, said road traffic accidents was ranked ninth in the world and if nothing was done about it that position will shift to third by 2020.

He therefore tasked all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission to help reduce road accidents in the country.

Mr. Francis Donkoh, the coordinator of driving schools in Cape Coast, appealed to drivers to be more careful and vigilant by focusing on concentration, observation, anticipation and tolerance.