Retro- Reflective Tape launched to reduced night crashes.

Accra, May 29, GNA-Mr. Mike Hammah, Minister of Transport, has tasked all drivers to fit retro-reflective tape on designated parts of their vehicles to reduce accidents on the country roads during periods of low visibility.

He described the retro-reflective tape as very imperative to improve visibility during night and bad weather conditions which can predispose vehicles into accidents.

Mr. Mike Hammah was addressing the official launch of Retro-Reflective Tape by the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Accra on Friday. He noted that the government dissipates about 165 million dollars equivalent to 1.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product annually due road carnage adding, "the country loses precious lives and bread winners in our societies".

Mr. Hammah urged DVLA to ensure that all registered vehicles in the country have the Retro-Reflective Tapes on them to avoid night crashes. In an interview with Ghana News Agency, Mr. Hammah said the ministry and the road safety agencies have put together a comprehensive and coherent strategy, dubbed: "National Road Safety Strategy II (2006 - 2010) and Action Plans", as the blue print for road safety management in the country. He said the implementation plan has been categorized into immediate, short-to- medium and long term. The Transport Minister noted that commercial drivers should carry a vehicle log book so as to facilitate the observance of road traffic regulation of 1974, which makes it mandatory for drivers to relax between long distance journeys.

Mr. Justice Yao Amegashie, Chief Executive of DVLA, described the frequent accident death situation as alarming but normal which many lives have been lost.

He said night crashes occur as a result of poor visibility adding, vehicle drivers should purchase the retro-reflective tape to eliminate accidents during bad weather and night. Mr. Noble Appiah, Executive Director of National Roads Safety Commission (NRSC), called on all drivers to use materials endorsed by NRSC and advised all motor riders to wear crash helmets. Mr. Alando Sadiq, General Secretary of Ghana Private Road Transport Union of T.U.C., urged DVLA and NRSC to intensify road safety education campaign. 29 May 10