NRSA Blames Surge in Road Accidents On Overspeeding, Fatigue Driving
Ashanti Region leads in pedestrian knockdowns as drivers speed on well-maintained roads
- 1,237 lives lost in road accidents between January and June 2024
- Ashanti Region tops the nation in road crashes
- Smooth roads and over-speeding are contributing factors
The growing number of road accidents has become a major concern.
Between January and June 2024, over 1,200 lives were lost in crashes, a troubling statistic that has sparked alarm.
In an interview with Mr. Kwasi Agyemang Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Road Safety Authority on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio , he revealed that the Ashanti Region is leading in accident rates, particularly pedestrian knockdowns.
He lamented that, despite significant efforts by both the government and the Road Safety Authority, the region continues to have the highest number of crashes.
Mr. Agyemang Boateng attributed the alarming trend to the paradox of “good roads.” While better infrastructure is supposed to improve safety, he explained that well-maintained roads often encourage drivers to speed, assuming the conditions are ideal for fast driving.
He told the host, Kwame Tanko another contributing factor is the rapid increase in the number of vehicles on the road, as more people are now able to afford cars, leading to more congestion and higher risks.
To tackle this issue, the Mr. Agyemang Boateng announced that the Authority has implemented new safety measures, including pre-departure vehicle checks at terminals, mandatory stops at red lights, and requiring two drivers for long-haul journeys.
However, Mr. Agyemang Boateng emphasized that the success of these initiatives depends on the active involvement and cooperation of the public.