About 56 people in the northern region lost their lives between January and February this year, statistics from the Northern Regional Road Safety (NRC) show.
Of the 56 who died through road accidents, only 5 were struck and killed. One hundred and eighty seven (187) people got injured.
Northern Regional Manager of Road Safety Commission, Mr. Alexander Ayettarh disclosed this at the unveiling ceremony of two new motor bikes of SOMOCO Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of the Mohinani Group, one of the most prestigious business houses in Ghana, an authorized distributor with operations in Accra, Tamale and Kumasi partnered with Bajaj motors Auto. Ltd. The bikes are new Pulsar 120 and the Discover 125.
Mr Ayettarh said provisional figures from his outfit indicate that 58 vehicles were involved in the accidents that led to the loss of the 56 lives. He was not happy that motorist especially motor bike riders do not want wear crash helmets, adding that section 84 of the road safety regulations enjoins every rider to wear helmets and failure is punishable by law.
He hinted that, the commission together with the Mottor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) plan to legalize the use of tricycles popularly called “Yellow Yellow” for commercial purposes because it becoming very difficult for stakeholders to streamline their activities.
Mr Ayettarh also appealed to motor bike riders to acquire riding licenses as stipulated in section 37 of the road traffic act. The road safety manager urged all motor dealers to liaise with the commission to train their retailers and customers on road safety measures.
He appealed to both whole sale and retailers of motor bikes to add helmets to their customers who purchase motor bikes. Liking northern region to countries like India and Rwanda, he said about 99% of Indians wears helmets even though he has some reservations about the obedience of their the traffic laws.
I wish the people of Tamale can emulate the Indians examples, the road safety manager said. Mr Alexander lauded Rwanda, especially its capital town-Kigali for having full control over motorist.
Riding motor bike in Rwanda is well coordinated, well planned and well managed, details of riders and owners of tricycles used for commercial activities are with city authorities unlike Ghana, Mr Ayettarh said. Stilling and crime is at the lowest level in Rwanda, he added.
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