The President of Ghana Committed Drivers, Mr Charles Danso has called on the Roads and Highways Authorities to fix potholes to ensure the roads are safe for travelers during and after the Easter Festivities.
He observed that there are a lot of potholes on the major roads, especially on the Accra- Kumasi Road, saying it is the cause of many accidents.
Mr Charles Danso pointed to an accident involving a 2M Express bus which occurred recently at Apedwa on the Accra-Kumasi road, saying it was pothole that caused it.
He observed that during festive seasons, many people travel hence the need for the Authorities to fix the roads.
He noted that most Government officials use airplanes to travel and so they do not know how bad some of the roads are.
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Speaking on Atinka TV’s current affairs show, The Agenda with Nana Yaw Fianko, Mr Charles Danso cited a section in the Road Safety LI which states that passengers should not harass the driver while on the road.
Despite the above, he complained about how some passengers speak to drivers anyhow when they do not drive the way the passengers want, also urging passengers to know how to speak to drivers when they are fault.
Road Safety
For her part, the Public Relations Officer(PRO) for National Road Safety Authority, Pearl Adusu Setackla said the Authority is still carrying out its core mandate of educating, sensitizing, creating awareness and training the public on road safety.
She said although there are laws, without enforcement, these road safety laws become entertainment to the public.
She said with their ‘Stay Alive’ campaign, the National Road Safety Authority is collaborating with other agencies or stakeholders, specifically the DVLA and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that apart from their campaigns, they embark on highway checks.
Ms Pearl Adusu said road safety inspectors will also do a pre-departure test to check drivers, vehicles, especially the tyres before they move or travel on long journeys.
She also said they will also check if the drivers are in a good state before moving their vehicles.
Although she is aware the LI 115 says the drivers should not be harassed while on the road, she urged passengers to check and complain to the drivers if they are not driving properly or over-speeding.
She said in a situation where the driver fails to listen to them, they should alert the police when they meet them on the way and complain to them.
“When the driver is not driving properly, you have to prompt them, that one is not harassment. We educate passengers to know that in such situations, you do not have to talk to the driver anyhow, he is not your child, you should know how to talk to him and if he refuses to listen, when you get to a police check point, you report him to the police,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori