More accidents recorded in 2008

Sunyani, Jan. 14, GNA - There were more deaths in motor accidents recorded last year in Brong Ahafo than in 2007, Assistant Superintendent of Police Paul Wesley Baah, regional head of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit said on Wednesday.

He explained to the Ghana News Agency that, the increased number of deaths was due to the "serious" nature of last year's accident cases. One hundred and eight persons died in 315 accident cases that involved 448 vehicles whilst there were 96 deaths in 325 accident cases recorded in 2007. The regional head stated that 72 of the accidents were very fatal, 62 serious, whilst 176 were minor ones, adding, 457 persons got injured in last year's accidents.

ASP Baah said over-speeding was a major cause of accidents in the region and advised drivers to obey the traffic regulation for drivers not to drive more that 50 kilometers per hour inside town. He mentioned over-loading, reckless driving, drunk driving and fatigue as other factors that contributed to accidents. The regional MTTU boss advised drivers not to ignore the law that stipulated that they should rest for 30 minutes after every four hours drive and urged drivers and motor cycle riders to wear seat belts and crash helmets respectively whilst on the road. "A lot of accidents can be avoided if drivers and pedestrians obey road regulations", he said, adding, 369 drivers were arrested and charged for committing driving offences last year. ASP Baah said 107 of the arrested drivers were arraigned before court and 64 of them fined a total of GHC 10,746, whilst one was sentenced to imprisonment and 10 discharged. He said 260 of the cases were still under investigations.