Vivo Energy, NRSA launch 2023 “Stop, Think and Drive” road safety campaign

By Fauzeeya JAMAL-DEEN, Accra

Over 1,000 high-risk commercial drivers and motorcyclists are expected to receive first aid training in four regions across Ghana, as part of measures to reduce the number of casualties from road accidents in Ghana.

This is part of the 2023 ‘STOP, THINK and DRIVE’ Road Safety Campaign, which is expected to reach commercial drivers and motorcyclists across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, and Eastern Regions.

The campaign is being organized by Vivo Energy Ghana, its transporters and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA).

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Managing Director, Supply and Distribution Manager, Reindolf Domey, stated that the campaign is a reminder for all road users to make responsible decisions behind the wheel.

The objective of this campaign is to equip commercial drivers and motorcyclists across the country with refresher defensive driving training to build their capacity with the aim of improving road user behaviour and reduce the risks of involvement in road accidents.

“We will be equipping participants with basic first aid skills in administering medical care to passengers in case of emergencies by a certified medical agency. By imparting knowledge and instilling a sense of responsibility, we hope to empower drivers and cyclists with the tools they need to make safer choices on the road,” Reindolf Domey said.

Reindolf Domey added that drivers will be monitored and evaluated, after the training, to assess the impact made over a period with the help of station masters and driver unions.

He said that Vivo Energy Ghana will continue to collaborate and support law enforcement agencies to ensure that traffic regulations are upheld by drivers and motorcyclists.

“We believe that a combination of visible policing and technological advancements, such as traffic cameras and speed detection systems as deployed by the Ghana Police Service can encourage good road behaviour and deter reckless driving, as well as hold those who disregard the law accountable for their actions,” he added.

Acting Director at the National Road Safety Authority, Ing David Osafo Adonteng, revealed that the number of road accidents from January 2023 to August 2023 involving private vehicles were 7,202. Accidents involving commercial vehicles were 5,238 and accidents involving motorcycles were 3,453.

He added that about 1,433 people have died between January 2023 and August 2023 due to road crashes.

Ing Osafo Adonteng therefore noted that the ‘STOP THINK DRIVE’ campaign is timely as the festive season is approaching.

“In three months, we will be entering Christmas and we all know the history of Christmas in this country when it comes to the use of the road. We want to reverse the trend, so we are going to support them, work together, go on outreaches to lorry stations, meet churches, individual drivers, groups, and associations.”  

He however noted that “We are still not happy that in eight months, we have recorded not less than 9,700 crashes. It is something that we do not expect to see presently, if you related to the interventions we are rolling out.”

He also said that the NRSA is trying to engage with relevant government agencies to reactivate all non-functioning traffic lights, especially on major roads to help drivers adhere to the road safety regulations.

Speaking on behalf of the transporters of Vivo Energy products, Elinam Horgle, noted that for almost 4000 days, transporters of Vivo Energy Products namely, J. K. Horgle, S. O Frimpong and J. K. Ahiadome have recorded no crashes in the country.

“This is not because we are perfect, but it is because we have had consistent training and advice from our representatives in the country and especially from Vivo Energy.  This is why Vivo Energy is championing this effort to bring the same thing to the drivers outside to protect them and their passengers,” she said.

Representative of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Joseph Appiah, said that the police, through its ‘Operation PAARI’ and ‘Traffitech-GH’ will ensure that drivers and riders who violate road traffic laws in the country are arrested and prosecuted.