Double function triangular warning light launched

Accra, April 18, GNA - A new double function triangular warning light for drivers was on Friday launched in Accra to address collision, resulting from broken down vehicles on roads.

The warning light which provides a high beam illuminated flash for visibility up to one kilometre away, also comes in a heavier form with a sturdy fordable support to enable it withstand the wind. Mr Joe Osei Owusu, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) highly recommended the equipment, considering that the use of substandard warning triangles was among the major causes of carnage on the roads.

He said drivers were required by law to place warning triangles lights at least 10 metres away from broken down vehicles. This regulation must be strictly adhered to.

Mr Owusu said it was wrong for drivers to use lorry tyres and leaves to give warning of their broken down vehicles.

He said the DVLA had therefore accepted to market the equipment, because those in the market now were not heavier and could be easily blown by the wind, while its illumination capacity could not reach that far.

The Chief Executive advised drivers to buy the new ones, available at all 23 DVLA offices and pledged that the Authority would make it mandatory to drivers who came for renewal of licence and other documents.

Mr. Noble Appiah, Acting Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission said a study by the Commission revealed that one out of five vehicles in the country did not have the triangles. He said this was why the Commission was supporting the use of the new equipment to prevent the dangers of parking indiscriminately, especially at night.

Mr Appiah said road the incident of road accidents was the ninth cause of death globally and it is estimated to become the third by 2020, hence the need for all support to curb it. Mr Daniel Julius Avorga, Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) also pledged the support of the Police in the enforcement of the law.

He said the Police had dedicated each week for the enforcement of particular requirements in the Motor Traffic Act and expressed the hope to dedicate May for the inspection of warning triangles.