Six hundred and thirty-five (635) road traffic accidents were recorded in Central Region from January 1 –November 30, 2015 against 918 during the same period in 2014, representing 30 per cent reduction over 2014.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Moses Ransford Ninson, Regional Police Commander announced this at the launching of 2015 accident free Christmas in the Region and Driver Union’s award ceremony held at Gomoa Bewadzie near Winneba Junction.
The ceremony was on the theme: “Recognising good practice that enhances road safety,” was organised by the Regional Directorate of the National Road Safety Commission aimed at ensuring that all road users contribute their quota for 2015 Christmas free accident and beyond.
According to DCOP Ninson, 112 accident related death were recorded in 2015 to 181 in 2014 representing 38.1 per cent presenting reduction, 731 persons were injured as result of the road accidents against 1032 in the same period representing 29.13 per cent reduction.
He said people have a role to play in addressing the disturbing trend of carnage on the road.
He stated that, many road accidents are mainly due to human errors, characterised by drunk driving, over speeding, fatigue driving, defective vehicles, failure to observe road signs among other things.
DCOP Ninson urged managers of the various lorry stations to periodically conduct diligent maintenance checks on vehicles, before they are allowed to depart from the stations and also to ensure that their drivers have sufficient rest before embarking on trips.
He asked road users to be cautious before crossing the road and parents should also be good road safety models for their children who would serve as the future man power needs of the country.
“Passengers should not hesitate to caution drivers when they observe any unusual and dangerous behaviour on the road and should not remain passive…to stay alive,” he stated.
DCOP Ninson appealed to transport owners, to ensure that their vehicles are maintained regularly, motivate their drivers and avoid pegging their daily sales returns at unreasonably amount as well as to engage experienced and competent drivers.
He said if all and sundry contribute their quota by abiding by road transport and traffic regulations it would go a long way help to prevent road accident.
Some drivers, transport unions and journalists were honoured for their contributions towards road safety campaign in the Region.
