Police to escort commercial cars during yuletide

Passengers and drivers travelling long distances in the Eastern Region are being offered special police escorts through unsafe and robbery-prone areas to ensure accident free and death free Christmas season.

Ms Mavis Ama Frimpong, the Deputy Regional Minister and the Regional Road Safety Ambassador, who announced this at a sensitisation programme with drivers in Koforidua, said, her outfit in collaboration with the Regional Police Command would work to ensure that passengers reach their destination safely to enjoy the festivity.

She said, the police escort programme had already commenced and drivers should take full advantage of it by ensuring that they alert Ghana Police Service about the dangerous routes to obtain the needed escorts.

The Road Safety Ambassador said deaths on the roads are not only caused by accidents but also by highway robbery and called for frantic collaboration among stakeholders to stall the menace.

She urged drivers to report about all bill boards that obstruct visibility.

Ms Frimpong advised telecommunication networks to expand their coverage.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ebenezer Larbi, Regional Commander, lauded drivers for their comportment to road regulations and ensuring steady reduction in accidents.

He however entreated them not to renege on safety precautions and endeavour to get genuine road worthy stickers.

Mr David Nodor, Regional Manager of Drivers Vehicular and Licensing Authority, advised drivers to ensure that their vehicles and personal documentary needs are up-to-date.

The Regional Director of National Road Safety Commission, Mr Kwasi Yirenkyi, said his outfit had achieved its target of reducing fatalities but would however not be complacent.

He said the Region is still in the red zone and so road users must exhibit positive attitudes towards road safety.