Accra, March 29, GNA – The Misornu Safety Centre has admonished motorbike riders, passengers, and pedestrians to observe road safety measures as traffic increases during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The Centre noted that motorbike crashes contributed significantly to road accidents, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
Major causes of these accidents include speeding, reckless riding, failure to wear helmets, poor visibility, and overloading.
To reduce these risks, the Centre urged motorbike riders to always wear helmets, obey speed limits, and avoid reckless overtaking.
Riders were also advised to carry only one passenger, use headlights and reflectors for visibility, and maintain their bikes to ensure they are in good condition.
The Centre warned against carrying heavy loads such as fridges on motorbikes, as this could cause instability and accidents.
Passengers were also encouraged to wear helmets, sit properly, hold onto the rider, and avoid distracting them while in motion.
They should also not board overloaded or reckless riders’ motorbikes.
Pedestrians were also urged to use designated crossings, check both directions before crossing, and avoid walking on highways.
They were reminded to stay alert and avoid distractions, such as mobile phones or earphones when crossing roads.
The Centre emphasised that the Eid celebrations should be a time of joy, not tragedy.
It called on all road users to prioritise safety and make road safety a shared responsibility.
According to the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD), 65 individuals lost their lives in motorcycle crashes in Tema in 2023.
The crashes involved 287 cycles (253 motorcycles and 31 tricycles), with 282 people sustaining injuries. This highlights the urgent need for increased road safety awareness, especially during festive seasons like Eid al-Fitr.
In 2020, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), notes that road traffic crashes involving motorcycles resulted in 1,056 deaths and 4,684 injuries.
This underscores the significant risk associated with motorbike use and the need for strict adherence to road safety regulations.
Misornu Safety Centre is a public service NGO focused on safety and security awareness.
GNA
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