The National Road Safety Authority in the Bono Region has voiced worry about the rising count of motorcyclists and their passengers neglecting to use helmets, jeopardizing their safety.
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Abigail Atinpoka Adongo, the Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Authority, reported a notable surge in motorcycle-related accidents in the region, indicating a 130% increase in the first quarter of this year compared to the corresponding period last year.
According to her, last year, there were 48 incidents involving motorcycles or tricycles, with 10 accidents occurring in the first quarter.
On the other hand, 23 collisions have been reported in the first quarter of this year, with 17 of the individuals involved not wearing helmets.
The authority attributes this concerning trend to non-compliance with road traffic rules and a lack of emphasis on safety.
In response, the National Road Safety Authority has ramped up its public awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of motorcyclists and their passengers consistently wearing helmets. As the 2024 election year progresses, the authority acknowledges the necessity for heightened vigilance and pledges to take further actions to reduce accidents and preserve lives.
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The authority is collaborating with stakeholders, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), to enforce helmet regulations and foster a culture of safety in the region.
Motorcyclists and their passengers are encouraged to prioritize their safety by wearing helmets to prevent potential tragedies.
“We are worried as an authority because over the years there has been an increase in the number of motorcyclists involved in accidents or crashes. Last year we recorded 48 that had to do with motorcycles or tricycles.
“If you take this year’s first quarter compared to last year’s first quarter, we realise that there has been an increase in the figures. So last year’s first quarter, we recorded 10 crashes involving motorcycles. But this year as we stand, in the first quarter we recorded 23 which means that there has been an increase and the increase is about 130 percent which is alarming.”
“As I compared the 2023 first quarter and 2024 first quarter where there is an alarming increase in the first quarter of 2024, we realised that out of the 23 that had the accident, 17 of them were without helmets and six were with helmets and this year being an election year, it calls for more from the Authority.”
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