To enhance professionalism and curb the increasing rate of road accidents, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd. – a private power producer – partnered with the Tema Regional Command of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to hold a one-day intensive training of road safety for 18 drivers.
According to provisional road traffic accident statistics from the National Road Safety Authority, from January to September 2023, 10,587 cases were reported, out of which 18,011 involved car crashes, with 1,668 persons killed. 11,644 persons were injured and 1,961 pedestrians were knocked down.
This, according to the Logistics Supervisor of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd., Marilyn Amerley Amartey, was very alarming and called for proactive measures to contain the situation.
Speaking in an interview with the B&FT on the side-lines of the training programme, she said the company’s aim of training its drivers is to equip them with current information which will enable them to use the road safely.
According to her, it is important for drivers to be abreast with the culture of responsible driving, knowledge and skills to enable them use the road without any incident, hence, the training.
She expressed confidence that the training programme will address drivers’ concerns, ensure strict compliance with road traffic regulations and enhance cooperation and communications between the drivers.
Sergeant Richard Timinka of the Tema MTTD took drivers through how to ensure safety on the road.
He touched on various topics, such as defensive driving, offensive driving, overspeeding, stopping distance, bad weather and wrongful overtaking, among others; and urged the drivers to consider the safety of the environment in which they find themselves.
He blamed the surge in road crashes on reckless driving, inattentiveness, lack of rest, and usage of communication devices while driving.
“You need to understand that your 30-minute rest after every four-hour journey is very important, so leave demons out of road crashes. Report to your chief drivers if your boss did not allow you to enjoy your 30-minute rest period in order for you to have a sound mind to drive,” he said.
Tema MTTD Commander, DSP Joseph Amoah, enlightened the drivers on the new traffic automation offences, a yet to be enforced policy termed ‘The Police’s Invisible Eyes are Watching’, and advised them not to commit traffic infractions.
He said although the fines might not be too high, the end result of losing your drivers’ licences is very critical.
