1,856 deaths recorded through road crashes in 2014

More than 1,850 people died through road crashes in 2014, provisional estimates from the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has shown.

During the period more than 11,328 others were injured, the Commission said.

However, the 2014 figures showed a decline compared to that of 2013 which saw 2,096 deaths and 12,655 injuries.

Mr David Osafo Adonteng, Director, Planning and Programme at NRSC, who said this at a news conference in Accra said 2,698 motor cycles were involved in road crashes in 2014 compared to the 2013 figure of 2,570, with a high number of fatalities recorded.

He said there was general reduction of road crashes in 2014 because the NRSC instituted measures such as engaging the media to air road safety commercials and the use of social media to send messages to road user groups.

He said 200 speed radar guns and 200 alcometre were also released to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service which resulted in low speed levels and drunken drive.

He noted that the NRSC have put in place measures to reduce the total number of road crashes in 2015 and it includes the full engagement of Ghana Independent Broadcasting Association, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies among others to beef up education and publicity.

Mr Adonteng said there would be Police presence on the road, whilst Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation, St John Ambulance Service and Ghana Health Service had been brought on board to strengthen capacity for post crash response.

“The Driver Vehicle License Authority will continue to license private garages to provide Computer Based Vehicle Inspection, Electronic Roadworthy Certificates and Seatbelts,” he said.

He said, in order to ensure the safety of motor riders, the NRSC would be rolling out a documentary and commercials backed by distribution of posters, handbills, stickers and outreach programmes to educate the public.

“We are engaging motor riding groups and associations to discuss the risks associated with riding and respect for the road law particularly at intersections and the use of motor cycles for commercial passenger purposes,” he added.

Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Executive Director of NRSC said the Commission would continue to institute measures that would help curb road crashes.

She said everybody has a role to play in ensuring road safety and called for the strict adherence of road traffic regulations.

Mr Kwaku Rockson, Board Member of the NRSC, called for support for the Commission to enable it undertake its activities.