Stay away from sex when driving long distance — MTTD Commander warns drivers

The Volta North Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Dassah, has advised drivers undertaking long-distance journeys to abstain from sex before travelling to ensure they get adequate rest and reduce the risk of road crashes.

Speaking during a road safety sensitisation programme in Hohoe, ASP Dassah said fatigue could impair a driver's ability to concentrate and react appropriately while behind the wheel.

“Once the body is sick or tired, you cannot have control over it,” he said.

He also cautioned drivers and riders against the use of alcohol and drugs, explaining that such substances impair judgment and increase the likelihood of road crashes, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

ASP Dassah identified speeding, dangerous overtaking on hills and the use of mobile phones and other communication devices while driving or riding as major causes of road accidents.

He further advised drivers of broken down vehicles to place advance warning signs at least 45 metres from the vehicle to alert other road users and prevent secondary accidents.

The MTTD Commander also urged motorists to avoid using unroadworthy vehicles, obey traffic lights, observe speed limits and refrain from using unauthorised sirens, headlights and horns.

He appealed to transport unions to organise regular road safety education for their members and introduce sanctions for habitual traffic offenders.

The Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Prosper Kumi, said road safety is a shared responsibility and stressed that preventing accidents requires the commitment of all road users.

He noted that road safety regulations, although sometimes viewed as inconvenient, are intended to protect lives and property.

Mr. Kumi called on transport unions within the municipality to promote compliance with road traffic regulations among their members.

The Hohoe Municipal Fire Service Commander, DOIII Bismark Hosu Porbley, said firefighters are often the first responders to road traffic accidents.

He advised drivers to fill their fuel tanks before loading passengers instead of stopping at filling stations after commencing a trip.

He also urged drivers and riders to handle flammable liquids such as fuel with caution, properly maintain their engines and exhaust systems, keep their headlights on to improve visibility and avoid remaining in the blind spots of other vehicles.

The Hohoe District Manager of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr. Eugene Komla Tawiah, emphasised the importance of maintaining full concentration while driving, saying distractions significantly increase the risk of crashes.

He advised drivers to avoid playing excessively loud music while driving and urged motorcyclists to always wear approved helmets.

Mr. Tawiah also encouraged riders to wear protective gloves, refrain from making or receiving phone calls while riding and use appropriate footwear to safeguard themselves and their passengers.