THE CARNAGE ON OUR ROADS MUST STOP
The spate of accidents on the country's roads continue to send shivers down the spines of Ghanaians, as the carnage appears to present a jig-saw puzzle defying logic and offering all kinds of challenges in finding a lasting solution.
Within the past few weeks the country has been confronted with such unprecedented record of accidents that people suggesting desperate measures to curb them.
The roads which are meant to make our means of traveling easier have now turned into death traps. It is a pity how vibrant future leaders are lost through accidents.
Accidents are known for their social, economic and even cultural costs to a nation, and Ghana's situation calls for stakeholders in the transport sectors to seriously address the alarming situation.
Causes
Many factors account for road accidents. Among them, are driving under the influence of alcohol, overspeeding, overloading, wrong overtaking, rickety vehicles on the road, driving fatigue, unqualified spare drivers and the country's bad roads.
The use of mobile phones, while driving on busy roads can be a factor to accidents. Many drivers refuse to wear their seat belts, despite the education on it; therefore, they suffer extensive injuries when accidents occur.
It is a pity to find vehicles with exposed metal seats being allowed to operate in the country, putting passengers in danger. Disabled vehicle are also abandoned on many roads creating a menace for other road users.
Some drivers, instead of using warning triangles, when their car break down prefer the use of leaves. On coming vehicles do not see such warning and run into them.
Some drivers do not obey traffic rules, they, skip red lights without putting into considering on coming vehicles. Solutions
The country needs to implement a strong road safety policy in order to save lives. Overloaded vehicles in any form must not be allowed on our roads.
Road markings must be clear, adequate and prominent, creating no confusion.
Drivers who have the habit of consuming liquour before starting a journey must be stopped. The police must constantly use a breath analyser to check on drivers they suspect of drinking.
Drivers must cultivate the habit of repairing their broken-down engines and other parts of the vehicles.
Drivers must rest when tired, they should not force themselves when tired and their cars should not be given to “spare drivers”.
Abandoned cars on roads should be towed, to pave way for other vehicles.
There should be enough weighbridges located at the beginning of our highways, manned by trained police personnel.
Stakeholders should have regular meetings with commercial drivers to address road accidents.