Regional News of Sunday, 14 June 2009

Source: GNA

Commission launches road safety campaign project

Tema, June 14, GNA - The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has launched the Abiam Road Safety Campaign Project in Tema in the latest of its education drive to reduce road accidents. Launching the campaign dubbed: "Drivers", Mr Nobel Appiah, Executive Director of the NRSC, admonished the public not to blame accidents on spiritual powers but rather make conscious efforts to prevent them. He noted that most of the road accidents were caused by human error on the part of drivers, many of whom failed to observe simple traffic regulations but rather indulge in unnecessary overtaking, speeding, overloading and fatigue. Poor condition of some vehicles and the bad nature of the roads are also contributory factors, Mr Appiah noted. He commended the move by the Abiam Media Company, initiators of the campaign, which sought to create the awareness of the cost of accidents and the harm it does to families and the nation. Mr Appiah appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to support Road Safety Committees in their locality with logistics to enable them to educate the public on safe driving. While urging drivers to exhibit professionalism by strictly adhering to traffic regulations, ASP Alice Gyamfi, Tema Regional Commander of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit, also cautioned pedestrians to be careful on the road. ASP Gyamfi appealed to insurance companies, financial institutions, and co-operate bodies to support the Tema Regional Road Safety Committee to step up its awareness campaigns. Mr Richard Takyi-Obeng, Director of Abiam Road Safety Campaign Project, called on operators of garages and mechanical workshops to equip their workers with genuine working tools to enhance precision during vehicle service. 14 June 09