Commercial Drivers Condemn Harrassment And Interruption Of Passengers

Commercial drivers in the Sunyani Municipality have said interruption by passengers in a moving vehicle is a contributory factor to road crashes in the country.

Expressing concern to such behaviour, as the country commemorates the world day of remembrance for road traffic victims, the drivers affirmed that the safety of passengers remains their priority.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, the drivers sent their condolences to families who had lost their relatives through road crashes as well as those who sustained injuries.

They pledged their commitment to ensure that such incidents reduce as Christmas approaches by remaining vigilant and strictly adhering to road safety regulations.

Emmanuel Kofi Agyemang, a driver who plies the Sunyani- Kintampo road, admitted that human error contributed about 80 percent of all road accidents, but added that passenger interruptions often diverts the attention of drivers off the roads.

He said it is the desire of every commercial driver to go for regular maintenance of their vehicles, but some vehicles owners always remain reluctant to pay for the maintenance fees.

Another driver, Yaw Osei, said over-speeding and unnecessary overtaking by some of his colleagues remains a challenge.

He expressed concern about the deplorable condition of some sections of the Sunyani-Kumasi highway saying because the road has developed potholes, crashes were becoming common.

Mr Osei also expressed unhappiness with the uncontrolled construction of unauthorised speed rumps by communities along the highway and appealed to the Ghana Highway Authority to attend to such concerns.

Many of the drivers commended the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) for their various efforts and called for intensified public education on road safety.

Mr Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Planning Officer of the NRSC, said ensuring an accident-free Christmas is a shared responsibility and urged drivers to always check their tyres and lighting before embarking on a journey.

Mr Boateng said the Commission has designed and would implement several road safety campaign programmes in the region and appealed to the general public to give the necessary support.

He advised drivers against drunk-driving, over-speeding and overtaking saying as the harmattan sets in, many of the roads would not be favourable for driving.

Mr Boateng expressed optimism that drivers would obey road safety regulations to control crashes particularly on the major highways.