By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, June 23, GNA â The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has urged pedestrians in the Volta Region to exercise extreme caution during the rainy season, warning that wet weather conditions significantly increase the risk of road traffic crashes and fatalities.
Mr Bismack Elorm Sackey, the Planning Manager of the NRSA in Ho, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said heavy rainfall often reduced visibility, flooded walkways and created unsafe conditions that exposed pedestrians to greater danger on the roads.
He described pedestrians as among the most vulnerable road users, particularly during periods of rainfall when drivers and pedestrians alike faced challenges in seeing clearly and reacting promptly to hazards.
âRain reduces visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, while wet road surfaces make it more difficult for vehicles to stop quickly.
These conditions increase the likelihood of crashes if proper precautions are not taken,â he said.
Mr Sackey noted that many pedestrians were forced to share flooded roadways with vehicles due to the absence of walkways, thereby increasing their exposure to road traffic dangers.
He explained that umbrellas, raincoats and poor weather conditions could also obstruct visibility and limit the ability of pedestrians to detect approaching vehicles.
The Planning Manager identified unsafe behaviours such as crossing roads without checking for oncoming traffic, running across roads to avoid getting wet, walking on carriageways instead of designated walkways, and using mobile phones or earphones while walking as major risk factors during rainfall.
He cautioned pedestrians against assuming that motorists could always see them in poor weather conditions and advised them to remain alert at all times.
Mr Sackey urged pedestrians to use designated walkways and crossing points where available and to observe the basic road safety practice of stopping, looking left, right and left again before crossing any road.
“Pedestrians should avoid rushing across roads because of the rain. They should make eye contact with drivers and ensure they have been seen before attempting to cross,” he stated.
He also encouraged the wearing of bright or reflective clothing, where possible, to improve visibility, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and poor lighting conditions.
Mr Sackey called on parents and guardians to pay particular attention to the safety of children during the rainy season by supervising them near roads and teaching them safe road-crossing practices.
He advised adults to hold the hands of younger children when crossing busy roads and discourage them from playing in floodwaters near roadways.
The NRSA official also appealed to drivers to play their part by reducing speed, particularly in communities, market centres, residential areas and around schools, bus stops and pedestrian crossings.
He urged motorists to use headlights appropriately, give pedestrians adequate time and space to cross safely and avoid splashing water onto pedestrians when driving through puddles.
Mr Sackey stressed that pedestrian safety was a shared responsibility that required cooperation between motorists and pedestrians.
âDrivers must remain vigilant and considerate, while pedestrians must make safe decisions and obey basic road safety rules. Rain should never be a reason to compromise safety,â he said.
He appealed to all road users to exercise patience, remain alert and adhere to road safety precautions to help prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities during the rainy season.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo