W/R Road Safety C'ttee intensifies campaign

Takoradi, May 14, GNA - With the onset of the rains and their adverse effects on roads, the Western Regional Road Safety Committee has intensified its campaign to educate drivers, pedestrians and other road users of the need to be extra cautious to avoid accidents. As part of the campaign, series of public fora, workshops, and seminars are being organised for drivers of both public and private institutions to update their knowledge on road safety regulations to ensure that road accidents were brought to the barest minimum.

More than 40 timber truck drivers drawn from the Ghana Primewood Limited and Western Veneer and Lumber Company were participants at one of these workshops in Takoradi on Friday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Victor Adusah-Poku, Commander of the Western Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police Service in an address reminded drivers of the bad nature of roads, especially in the forest and cocoa growing areas. He said the conditions of these roads become even worse and more dangerous during the rainy season and therefore asked them to exercise the greatest care, when plying these roads.

DSP Adusa-Poku reminded the drivers that the least mistake they commit could claim many precious lives unlike the doctor, whose mistake in the performance of his duty claims the life of only one person. He advised the drivers to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles and always carry along good spare tyres, triangular reflective signs, jacks and other important equipment.

He spoke against the tendency of some companies and vehicle owners, who refused to replace defective accessories and worn out vehicle parts in spite of reminders from their drivers.

DSP Adusa-Poku warned that vehicle owners would be held responsible for allowing the use of vehicles with defective parts and accessories. He also told them to avoid over-speeding, wrongful overtaking and other tendencies that resultred in accidents.

"Efficient and effective road safety practices", "good vehicle maintenance practices" and the road safety law - Act 683 of 2004" were some of the topics discussed.

Drivers of some institutions including the Ghana Education Service and the Takoradi Flour Mill have already benefited from a similar programme.