NRSA, police to arrest on speeding drivers
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR Accra
Data from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has revealed that about 369 fatalities have been recorded in the first two months of this year.
According to the Authority, the figure increased by 11.82% from 330 fatalities in 2023 to 369 fatalities this year.
The data disclosed that approximately 2,260 road crash cases were recorded, involving 3,910 vehicles.
Out of the 3,910 vehicles involved, approximately 2,552 injuries were recorded, with 381 pedestrian knockdowns occurring in the first two months of 2024.
This data was disclosed at the launch of the NRSA’s Easter Campaign themed ‘Stop Speeding, Stay Alive’ in Accra.
The campaign aims to sensitize drivers on the importance of adhering to speed limits to prevent fatalities.
The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Ing. Dr. David Osafo Adonteng, explained that the 2,260 cases represent a 0.49% increase from last year’s recorded cases of 2,249 between January and February 2023.
However, he noted that the number of vehicles involved in road crashes in the first two months of this year reduced by 1.37% from last year’s recorded vehicles of 3,857.
He added that the number of injuries in the first two months increased by 2.0% from last year’s injuries of 2,502.
Ing. David Osafo Adonteng emphasized the need to strive for improvement and vigilance, especially during critical periods such as the upcoming Easter festivities.
“To manage the road safety risks associated with the Easter festivities, the National Road Safety Authority will lead and partner with relevant stakeholders to undertake some exercises nationwide,” he said.
He advised drivers to reduce their speed on the roads, avoid driving while tired, and under the influence of alcohol.
Dr. Adonteng mentioned that the campaign will increase road user education and sensitization efforts in the media, churches, lorry terminals, and markets, among other places, to empower road users, especially passengers with the knowledge to support road safety improvement efforts.
He added that the campaign will have a special focus on speed in its educational efforts during the period, and drivers, in particular, will be admonished to stay within posted limits.
“This will ensure safety for both driver and passenger, and other road users,” he stressed.
He underscored that the campaign is being executed alongside extensive speed enforcement efforts aimed at reshaping the discourse on road safety and ultimately reducing crash occurrences.
He highlighted that on local and collector roads in Accra and Kumasi, 92% and 88% of drivers, respectively, exceed speed limits.
Adonteng stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to actively contribute to reducing speeding incidents on roads.
He specifically mentioned ongoing sensitization efforts targeting drivers traveling to Kwahu for the Easter festivities, urging them to slow down, along with increased police speed enforcement along the Kwahu road.
Additionally, he outlined plans for widespread television and radio publicity of the “stop speeding” public service announcement (PSA), advising drivers to decelerate or face potential arrest for speeding.
He urged intensified police enforcement efforts in Accra and Kumasi, particularly on intercity highways, to effectively curb speeding incidents.
