Beware of tuning out while crossing the street.
Kwabena Duffuor, a member of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has urged people in Ghana to be careful when crossing the road to prevent accidents. He pointed out that using earphones or talking on mobile phones can distract individuals, making them forget about their surroundings and leading to accidents.
Duffuor advised pedestrians to use footbridges whenever available to save their lives. He emphasized the importance of this caution because six people lose their lives on Ghana’s roads every day, according to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC). This means six families experience the loss of a loved one, six mothers mourn their children, and six futures are shattered in mere moments, day after day.
Pedestrians, especially children, are among the most at risk. The NRSC reports that pedestrians account for 43 percent of the total fatalities on Ghana’s roads each year, with 31 percent of them being school-age children or younger. Even children on their way to school are not safe from the dangers of Ghanaian roads.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers road safety a public health issue. Road accidents are currently the eighth leading cause of death worldwide, and if no further action is taken, they are projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2030.
The WHO’s 2013 Road Safety Report highlights that African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, have some of the highest road traffic fatality rates. While the NRSC believes they have the tools to make roads safer, they face numerous challenges in achieving success. However, with 88 countries already witnessing significant reductions in road fatalities, Ghana has the potential to follow suit.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3 FM‘s morning show with Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Duffour emphasized that pedestrians and drivers must play their part to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
LISTEN TO KWABENA DUFFUOR IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
