Skyy road safety month launched

Takoradi, Aug. 9, GNA - About 88 people died through road

accidents between January to June this year, in the Western Region, Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister said on

Friday. Launching Skyy Road Safety Month, an initiative of management

of Skyy Media Group and National Road Safety Commission, at

Takoradi, Mr Amoah said about 270 people received injuries in the

accidents mostly caused by human factor. He said the rate was too high and urged the people to be

responsible and help prevent road accidents during Election 2008

and Christmas celebration. Mr Kwesi Nkrumah, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief

Executive, urged drivers to hold their profession in high esteem and

avoid accidents. He said drivers tarnished the image of their profession when they

over-speed and drive under the influence of alcohol. Mr Victor Adusah-Poku, Western Regional Commander of

Motor Traffic Transport Unit (MTTU), said some drivers put on

their hazard lights as an excuse to over-speed against the use of

hazard lights in poor weather conditions. He said lack of heavy duty towering trucks to tow vehicles that

developed fault on the roads was a major problem affecting the

transportation sector in the Region. Mr Charles Abro, General Manager of Metropolitan Insurance

Company, appealed to authorities of Driver Vehicle Licensing

Authority (DVLA) to ensure holders of driving licence had been well

trained to drive because some people unable to drive were in

possession of driving licences. He suggested that a law be enacted to restrict the use of mobile

phones when driving and vehicles should be properly tested to

ascertain their road worthiness. Mr Wilson Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of Skyy Media

Group, said the programme was instituted because of the increase in

road accidents to prevent deaths on the road. He said programmes on road safety would be broadcasted on its

radio and television channels during the campaign. Mr Wilson said in addition, management would organise forums

for drivers and the travelling public at lorry parks. 09 Aug. 09