By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Ho (VR), April 15, GNA – The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in the Volta Region has cautioned drivers against over-speeding and unprofessional conduct during and after the upcoming Easter festivities.
The move is also aimed at promoting responsible behavior, careful driving and to reduce the risk of road crashes and loss of life and property.
Mr. Awillo Atitto, the Volta Regional Public Relation Officer (PRO) of GPRTU, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that all drivers are expected to prioritise and adhere to road safety regulations and exercise safe driving practices to ensure the well-being of passengers and other road users.
He said: “Over-speeding during the Easter festivities can lead to reckless behavior and driving under the influence. These actions increase the risk of accidents, putting many lives at risk, and we need to fight against such situations, festivals are not a means to lose any precious lives.”
Mr. Atitto said that passengers also play a crucial role in promoting road safety and urged them to caution and advised various drivers adhere to road safety regulations and avoid reckless driving that could endanger lives to prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey.
He explained that in previous years, road crashes have marred the Easter festivities which resulted in the loss lives and property and GPRTU’s caution is expected to serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritising good driving and road safety in the communities.
“The GPRTU remains committed to promoting road safety in the Volta Region, our caution to drivers against overspending and reckless behavior is aim to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer celebration before, during and after the Easter festivity,” Mr. Atitto said.
He said behavior drivers was a critical factor in road safety and the GPRTU’s warning has highlighted the need for drivers to prioritise responsible driving skills and avoid reckless actions which include drunk driving, among others that could put themselves and others at risk.
He said that to ensure a safe Easter celebration, drivers should take several safety measures which include practicing of proper maintenance culture to ensure vehicles are in good condition before embarking on a journey, adopting defensive driving techniques to anticipate and respond to potential hazards and minimise distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.
The GPRTU’s caution has sparked community engagement, with many commuters expressing support for the initiative, while others appealed to drivers, passengers, and the communities to get united and promote road safety to reduce the risk of accidents.
Some drivers at Keta and Anloga the GNA engaged with, pledged to exercise patience, respective road safety regulations, and practice highly professional driving conduct for the safety of all.
Some passenger and other road users, GNA spoke with, expressed satisfaction about the Volta GPRTU’s caution to drivers on over-speeding and other unprofessional conducts before, during and after the Easter festivities was a timely reminder of the importance of prioritising road safety.
They appealed to drivers and their unions to also stick to the normal transport fares during the festive season to avoid the economic burden on the public.
GNA
MA/BM