NRSA launches Easter road safety crackdown to reduce fatal crashes in Bono East
The Bono East Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has launched a comprehensive Easter road safety campaign aimed at reducing road crashes, injuries and fatalities during the festive season.
The Acting Regional Head of the NRSA, Jennifer Anaba, said the intervention had become necessary due to the surge in vehicular movement, long-distance travel and increased social activities typically associated with Easter.
The campaign was officially launched during a special operation on the Techiman–Kumasi Highway on Thursday, where a joint enforcement team engaged motorists and passengers.
Joint enforcement and public education
The exercise brought together officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The team stopped vehicles to inspect roadworthiness, educate drivers and passengers, and advise road users to comply with safety regulations.
Safe festivity
Ms Anaba said the authority was committed to ensuring that all road users celebrated the Easter season safely.
“We are aware that during this period there is increased vehicular movement, social activities and long-distance travel. Because of that, we have embarked on this exercise to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths,” she said.
She explained that the campaign would run throughout the Easter period, with intensified public education on major highways and at transport terminals across the region.
According to her, the initiative would include media engagements, direct interaction with drivers and passengers, as well as road safety education in churches.
“We are going to engage the media. We shall also engage drivers and passengers. We shall have a church activity as well to climax it all with some other stakeholders,” she stated.
Call for adherence to traffic regulations
Ms Anaba stressed that road safety remained a shared responsibility and urged all road users to comply with traffic laws and adopt safe practices.
She cautioned drivers against speeding, dangerous overtaking and drink-driving, while encouraging passengers to speak up when they observed reckless behaviour.
Motorcyclists were also advised to wear protective gear and strictly adhere to road regulations.
She expressed optimism that the campaign would help reduce the number of crashes typically recorded during festive periods.
DVLA raises concern over fatalities
The Bono East Regional Manager of the DVLA, Alfred Basum, expressed concern about the persistent loss of lives on the roads during festive seasons.
“During festive seasons like this, especially Easter, a lot of lives are lost. But there is no reason for us to lose those lives,” he said.
He noted that although many commercial drivers sought to maximise profits due to increased travel demand, safety must not be compromised.
Drivers urged to remain alert
Mr Basum urged drivers to observe speed limits and remain alert at all times, emphasising the need for concentration, anticipation and tolerance on the road.
He further reminded drivers to take regular breaks during long journeys, noting that standard road transport practice required motorists to rest for at least 30 minutes after every four hours of driving.
He also appealed to passengers to remain vigilant and speak out against unsafe driving practices.
