The Director of Education, Research, and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, has stressed the critical role of regular vehicle maintenance in preventing road accidents.
Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop for transit truck drivers and industry stakeholders, organized by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Chief Supt. Obeng underscored the importance of adhering to road traffic regulations, particularly those concerning lighting systems and proper signage on long and heavy-duty vehicles.
He urged vehicle owners to entrust their vehicles only to trained and licensed drivers, noting that doing so not only promotes safety but also protects lives, property, and business investments.
Citing alarming statistics, Chief Supt. Obeng revealed that between January and April this year, the country recorded over 4,700 road accidents involving more than 8,000 vehicles. These incidents resulted in over 5,000 injuries and more than 1,000 fatalities. Of the total crashes, 1,365 involved trucks, reflecting a disturbing trend in preventable road collisions.
He highlighted common causes of accidents, including faulty lighting systems, worn-out tyres, poor reflectors, overloading, reckless overtaking, and abandoned broken-down vehicles. Driver fatigue and negligence were also identified as contributing factors.
“The economic impact, the loss of lives, destruction of goods, and damage to property are enormous. These are losses we can prevent,” he emphasized.
Chief Supt. Obeng advised drivers to rest after every four hours of driving to avoid fatigue-related accidents. He also pointed out that the presence of police officers on the roads should not be seen as an inconvenience but as a necessary measure to promote discipline and save lives.
He called for greater compliance with road safety laws, urging all stakeholders to play their part in reducing Ghana’s road traffic fatalities.