Tramadol Use, Carelessness, Drunk Driving Kills 81 Road Users In A/R

Eighty one (81) people have died through five hundred and seventy eight accidents recorded in the Ashanti region in the first quarter of this year 2018.

A tenth of these fatalities were as a result of motor bike and motorized tricycle accidents.

The accident figures represents an increase compared to last year when four hundred and twenty eight accidents occurred in the region within the same period but with 84 losing their lives.

The Road Safety Commission in the region attributes this to an increase of carelessness, drunk driving and the rising concern of drivers abusing high doses of addictive tramadol while behind their wheels.

Relaying the statistics to Ultimate News, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regional manager of the NRSC Engineer Samuel Assiamah described the development as worrisome.

He disclosed, “We have also seen that there is a trend in drunk driving for this first quarter. The police have also made us aware that there is also an increase in drug driving here `in the Ashanti region typically with this new tramadol issue. We have had most of these reports from Takwa Macro, Suame and other areas.”

He told Ultimate News’ Ivan Heathcot - Fumador, “It has become difficult to identify some of these drivers with the alcometer and we need to take steps to get these drivers off these drugs.”

Engineer SAMUEL ASIAMA however assured that his outfit is implementing a number of measures to ensure that the roads in the region get safer as the year inches on.

He indicated that a “door to door” educational approach where drivers, motorists and pedestrians are targeted for specific education and on the spot enforcement of road regulations is being rolled out in the Ashanti Region to stem the tide.

The NRSC has also commenced a survey to assess the perception of drivers on road safety .to help the commission understand why drivers choose to violate laws on road safety.

It has become necessary as the Ashanti region has proven over the years to be cardinal on the radar of road safety and enforcement bodies because of its brisk economic activities and its central location serving as a transit point for several vehicles travelling across the country.

The result of this survey which has been commissioned by a consultant is to guide policy and enforcement of road traffic regulations in the Ashanti region.