By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Dec. 18, GNA — Mr. Felix Owusu, Acting Greater Accra Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has urged road users, particularly motorists, to strictly comply with traffic light regulations to help reduce road crashes.
He said non‑compliance often resulted in crashes that caused injuries, deaths and loss of property, in addition to possible arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
Mr. Owusu gave the advice during an in‑traffic education and sensitisation exercise at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle traffic light, in front of Telecel Ghana.
He said the exercise formed part of the Authority’s strategies to minimise road crashes during the festive season, a period that traditionally recorded increased traffic volumes and accidents.
Mr. Owusu noted that most crashes in Greater Accra occurred at intersections, largely due to motorists jumping red lights, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
He said many drivers misunderstood the meanings of traffic signal colours, particularly the amber light.
“While most people know that red means stop, the amber also means stop at the stop line, according to the Ghana Highway Code. Unfortunately, many motorists speed up when they see amber, which amounts to jumping the red light,” he said.
Mr. Owusu said that the green light did not mean drivers should proceed regardless of conditions.
“Green means you may go only when your way is clear. If the intersection is congested, you must wait until it is clear before moving,” he explained.
The Authority recorded increases in crashes, fatalities, injuries and pedestrian knockdowns from January to October this year, except for October, which saw temporary reductions in some categories.
Crashes rose to 11,935 from 11,127 within the same period last year, while vehicles involved increased from 18,879 to 20,397. Fatalities exceeded 2,429, and injuries rose from 12,921 to 13,764.
Mr. Owusu acknowledged challenges with some road furniture but urged motorists to exercise caution at intersections where traffic signals were not functioning.
“Even when traffic lights are faulty, drivers must be patient and careful, because others are also in a hurry. Lack of patience is what often leads to crashes at such locations,” he said.
Mr. Owusu commended personnel of the Department of Urban Roads for promptly repairing faulty traffic lights and urged them to remain proactive during and beyond the festive season.
He also welcomed the distribution of streetlights to some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, noting that improved visibility would help reduce crashes.
On amendments to the Road Traffic Act, Mr. Owusu cautioned road users, especially motor riders, against premature celebrations, saying the passage of the law was only the first step.
He said regulations to operationalise the Act, including provisions on commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, were still being developed.
“The Act has been passed, but it is not the end. There is a road traffic regulation that will operationalise the Act, and we are still working on it. So, all stakeholders must exercise patience,” he said.
Mr. Owusu urged motor riders to continue obeying traffic rules and advised all road users to remain patient and responsible during the Christmas season and beyond.
He also cautioned drivers against speeding, distracted driving, overloading and insecure loading, adding that the NRSA would collaborate with the Police to intensify enforcement on highways during the festive period.
“Our goal is to ensure that people go about their activities during the festive season and return to their homes safely,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey