E/R records lower roads accidents in past six months

Koforidua, July 19, GNA - The Eastern Region recorded 40 per cent decrease in motor accidents for the first half of the year, as compared to the same period last year.

The Commander of the Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police Service, Police Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Koforidua, over the weekend.

He said the region has so far recorded 616 motor accidents, involving 849 vehicles, leading to the death of 114 persons, whiles in 2009, 784 cases were reported, involving 1008, vehicles and 143 deaths.

Mr Peprah explained that the reduction in the number of accidents was due to the use of radar guns and alco-censors, acquired by the regional command for checking speeding and drunk drivers on the highways, especially the accident prone areas on the Accra-Kumasi corridor.

According to Superintendent Peprah, the police had adopted the snappy road checks method, unlike previously when they were stationed at a particular spot, which enabled recalcitrant drivers to outwit the police.

He said although the police had been recording considerable numbers of unacceptable levels of alcohol in drivers, it was not alarming, as in the previous years, culminating to the reduction of accidents on the roads.

The Regional MTTU Commander however reiterated the need for passengers to be alert and report any drunk driver or reckless driving to the nearest police station or check point for their safety.

He advised passengers to help stop the reckless driving rather than encouraging drivers to speed, because of their selfish interest.