Five hundred and seventy nine people lost their lives in 8,980 road accidents recorded throughout the country in the first half of the year.
This represents a five per cent increase over last year’s record of 548 deaths from 9,898 accidents.
The figure translates to an average of about 96 deaths per month and three per day. Statistics from the National Road Safety Commission indicates that, although the number of accidents reduced by nine per cent within the period under review, the number of deaths increased. It also shows that during the same period, 3,743 people were injured, representing a 12 per cent decrease over that of last year’s figure of 4,253.
The statistics also show that in all the accidents, a total of 8,980 vehicles were involved. Greater Accra topped the list having recorded 135 deaths as against 104 over the same period last year. Eastern Region followed with 128 deaths, an increase of 36 per cent while deaths in the Ashanti Region reduced by 14 per cent having recorded 81 deaths this half and 93 deaths the same period last year. Tema, Upper East and Upper West regions had the least number of deaths being two, nine and 13 respectively.
In an interview, the Information Officer of the commission, Mr N. Arcton-Tetteh said many people do not know how to handle accident victims who are in critical conditions. He said it has been established that owing to the manner in which such victims are handled, most of them die even before they arrive at the hospital. Mr Arcton-Tetteh said the vehicular population is now increasing at about 10 per cent per annum and the increase in road accidents in absolute terms. He described as unfortunate the manner in which people drive on the highways and in the city.
The Information Officer noted that the normal speed limit for the type of roads constructed in the country should be between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour but this is not adhered to by a greater number of drivers. Mr Arcton-Tetteh said although the number of accidents reduced, there was an increase in deaths. He said the numerous education programmes the commission undertakes with the assistance, in some cases, of the World Bank, has paid off but there is still more to be done. Mr Arcton-Tetteh advised drivers to be circumspect on the roads to reduce the number of accidents.
He said the commission has shifted from its seasonal educational campaigns in the past to an all-year-round campaign and that is paying off, adding that the statistics bear testimony to that. He said the only problematic areas are Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti Regions and gave the assurance that everything will be done to reduce accidents in those regions.
