Passenger role in road safety highlighted

The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and the Christian Community Microfinance Limited (CCML) have initiated a passenger empowerment campaign to reduce road accidents during the Christmas festivities.

The campaign has “BOSS Road Safety Campaign” as its theme.

BOSS is an acronym. The letter B stands for become - every passenger is expected to become responsible and concerned about safety.

The O is for observe - passengers are urged to observe the driver and the vehicle carefully and ascertain that the vehicle is in good condition before boarding it.

Also in observing, passengers are required to look out for safety symbols and signs, including emergency exits and fire extinguishers.

The first S means speak up - passengers are to speak up or complain about any safety measure that a driver or traveller may disregard. 

The last S in the acronym typifies saving lives - passengers are required to educate others.

Campaign and launch 

The campaign has the objective of educating passengers on their rights and responsibilities with regard to road safety. 

The Executive Director of the NRSC, Mrs May Obiri Yeboah, launched the campaign last Friday. 

She said the Commission had identified festive seasons, particularly Christmas, as periods in which most road accidents were recorded.

She added that for that reason, the commission would intensify road safety campaigns ahead of every occasion.

She expressed her gratitude to CCML for providing financial support for the campaign.

Deaths from accidents

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Alexander Obeng, said from January to September this year, over 1,000 people had died through road accidents, and over 8,000 had been seriously injured.

He said the situation was very worrying and unacceptable, requiring immediate action by all interest groups, including the government, transport unions, drivers, passengers, private and public institutions and the security services.

He stated that many road accidents occurred as a result of drivers’ disregard for road transport regulations. He said some drivers sped unnecessarily, did not have reflectors on their vehicles and disregarded road signs and markings, among other violations.

Fire extinguishers

A representative of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) urged drivers to desist from tampering with the electronic systems in their vehicles. According to him, the service had observed some vehicles caught fire because drivers and mechanics had incorrectly fixed electrical faults. 

Another observation was that many vehicles did not have the appropriate fire extinguishers in them.

“Fire extinguishers with dry chemical powder are most appropriate for quenching fire. Under the circumstances, the Fire Service will collaborate with the police to ensure that drivers have the proper instruments in their vehicles,” he said.

According to him, there were plans by the service to issue extinguisher stickers for easy identification of cars with the approved fire extinguisher.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of CCML, Mrs Naa Ode Asante, said the company took the decision to support the campaign by the NRSC as a social responsibility in commemoration of its 35th anniversary celebration.

Writer’s email Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh