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Ghana Institution of Engineering calls for enhanced road safety education
Accra, Ghana - October 22, 2024 - A string of recent road accidents in Ghana, particularly in areas like East Legon, Accra-Kumasi Highway, and Kumasi-Obuasi stretch, has prompted the Ghana Institution of Engineering to stress the importance of educating motorists about road traffic regulations.
The institution's president, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, emphasized that well-informed drivers are crucial to effective regulation enforcement.
In an interview with Citi News, Ing. Bempong urged the police to take decisive action to enhance road safety. He also cautioned motorists to be extra vigilant, especially with the general election and Christmas season approaching.
“We would appeal to them [the police] that during this time, apart from just stopping people for minor offences, they should caution a lot of people so that our minds will be brought back home, as I would put it. So let us remind them [drivers] of the responsibilities that they carry when they are driving, especially for the commercial drivers.
“There is a lot of caution that is required of drivers or motorists. When you are driving, practice what we call defensive driving, where you anticipate that anything can happen so that we will reduce the accident rate during this yuletide.
“We all know that getting to holidays or getting to times when there are going to be elections, some people may be so excited and they will be driving just anyhow.”
The Ghana Institution of Engineering's call to action is timely, considering the country's history of road accidents. To combat this issue, the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) was established in 1952 to promote road safety through education, enforcement, and emergency services.
The MTTD's efforts include:
- Traffic Control and Management: Ensuring safe passage on Ghana's roads
- Enforcement of Road Traffic Laws: Holding offenders accountable
- Accident Prevention: Educating the public on road safety measures
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with organizations like the National Road Safety Commission and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
Source: Lead News Online
