Road safety education: Zonda Tec partners stakeholders
Story: Azure Imoro Abdulai
Ahead of the busy Christmas season, Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd has taken a bold step to promote road safety by organizing a Road Safety Education Workshop in Tema under the theme “Responsible Driving: A Tool for an Accident-Free Christmas.” The initiative, as part of Zonda Tec Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, brought together industry experts, drivers, and key stakeholders to tackle the alarming surge in road accidents during festive periods. The workshop was aimed to instill responsible driving habits and create awareness on vehicle safety, emergency preparedness, and compliance with road safety regulations.
The Rising Concern Over Holiday Road Crashes
With the Christmas season often associated with heavy traffic, fatigue-induced driving, speeding, and road crashes, the event came as a timely intervention. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ghana recorded over 15,000 road crashes in2023, with December contributing to a significant portion due to increased vehicular activity. In his address, Mr. Gabriel Adu Sarpong, a representative from the NRSA, stressed the urgency of reversing this trend:
“The festive season is a time for joy, but it also brings significant risks on our roads. Drivers must prioritize safety, avoid speeding, fatigue, and distractions. An accident-free Christmas is achievable if we all commit to responsible driving.”
Expert Insights on Road Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The workshop featured presentations and practical sessions led by notable road safety professionals, each focusing on a critical aspect of road safety.Mr. Richard Minkah, of the Tema DVLA, emphasized the need for vehicle owners to ensure their cars are roadworthy and licensed. “Regular maintenance checks, tire assessments, and proper documentation are non-negotiables for safe driving, particularly during high-traffic seasons like Christmas. “Fire Officer Romell Otoo, of the Ghana National Fire Service highlighting fire safety concerns provided practical demonstrations on how drivers can respond to vehicular fires. He urged drivers to always have functional fire extinguishers and offered guidance on handling car-related emergencies. Mr. Gabriel Adu Sarpongof the National Road Safety (NRSA) also took participant through by outlining the importance of defensive driving and avoiding risky behaviors like overtaking on blind curves or driving under the influence.The programme also included first-aid training facilitated by the Ghana Red Cross Society, teaching drivers how to administer basic life-saving techniques during road emergencies before professional help arrives.
Engagement and Interactive Demonstrations
A highlight of the workshop was the interactive segment, where drivers participated in simulated emergency response scenarios. These simulations allowed them to test their knowledge of fire safety, road hazard management, and first aid application. Feedback from participants indicated the session’s relevance: “This training has opened my eyes to things I’ve been ignoring, like checking my tires before long trips. I also now know how to use a fire extinguisher properly,” said Kofi Asamoah, a commercial driver. Another driver, praised the initiative for including women in road safety education, saying, “As a female driver, I often feel overlooked, but this programme has equipped me to be more confident and responsible on the road.”
A Corporate Commitment to Safety
In his closing remarks, a representative from Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd reaffirmed the company’s dedication to creating safer roads in Ghana: “Road safety is a collective responsibility. At Zonda Tec Ghana, we believe that education is the first step toward reducing accidents. This workshop is our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone gets home safely this Christmas. “The program concluded with participants pledging to adhere to road safety guidelines, with the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority promising increased patrols and monitoring during the festive period.
Broader Collaboration and Impact The success of the workshop was made possible through collaboration with key partners, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, DVLA, Ghana Red Cross Society, and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). This initiative marks a growing trend of private-public partnerships to address societal challenges. The organizers used the platform to call on all drivers across the country to embrace responsible driving during the festive season. By reducing road crashes, Ghana can safeguard lives, reduce pressure on emergency services, and foster a joyful holiday season for all.
