Up to 9520 motor crashes involving 16226 vehicles were reported between 1 January and end July 2021, with 1706 people killed and 9299 injured. (MTTD figures)
Biggest causes of Road Traffic Incidents
Distraction
Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. There are 3 main types:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – taking your mind off driving.
- Auditory – hearing something not related to driving
Examples include: using a phone, eating and drinking, reading, applying make up and other grooming, picking music,
Suggestions: do not multi task while driving. Make phone calls and send emails before starring a journey. Ask passengers to help with navigations and other tasks. Apps can help avoid mobile phone use while driving
Fatigue
Speeding
Accidents involving high speeds are more likely to be serious. The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to slow down. It vastly increases the risk of loosing control of a vehicle.
Poor visibility
Road defects
Drunk driving
Reckless driving
Often this is due to an impatient driver wanting to their destination fast. Speeding, changing lanes without looking, tailgating other motorists, ignoring road signs and traffic signals.
Rain
When the road becomes wet, cars can loose their grip and slide across the road surface. This is often made worse by poor car maintenance such as tires that are worn or not properly inflated.
Heavy rain also results in poor visibility.
Vehicle defects
Seatbelts and helmets.
Links
Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) an agency under the Ghana Police Service responsible for road safety in Ghana
National Road Safety Authority (NRSC) a statutory body empowered to promote and regulate road safety standards