Commercial drivers have been urged to conduct thorough pre-departure checks to enhance road safety ahead of the Easter festivities.
Mr Ezra Quansah, Assistant Planning Manager of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Greater Accra Region, said neglecting such checks often led to vehicle breakdowns mid-journey, causing inconvenience to passengers and increasing the risk of crashes.
He gave the advice during a terminal outreach at the Tudu Station in Accra on Tuesday as part of efforts to educate and sensitise drivers, passengers and union executives on safe driving practices ahead of the expected rise in traffic during the festive season.
Mr Quansah reminded drivers to take their time on the road and ensure passengers arrived safely at their destinations, noting that driver behaviour during festive occasions was sometimes worrying.
He educated drivers on the importance of observing road line markings, road furniture and warning signs, which many motorists either ignored or did not fully understand.
Mr Ezra Quansah emphasised the need for pre-trip inspections, observing that some drivers failed to check basic components such as engine oil, water levels, car lights and belts before setting off.
Touching on traffic signals, he said many drivers misunderstood the amber light, which he explained meant drivers must stop at the stop line and prepare for the red signal.
Mr Ezra Quansah observed that some motorists rather sped up when the amber light appeared, leading to crashes at intersections.
He cautioned against fatigue driving, describing it as a major cause of accidents, particularly during festive periods when drivers undertook long-distance trips and returned immediately without adequate rest.
Mr Ezra Quansah also urged drivers to take sufficient breaks before embarking on return journeys, adding that no medication could cure fatigue except rest or sleep.
On vehicle modifications, he said some drivers installed unapproved high-intensity lamps, popularly referred to as “killer lamps,” which blinded oncoming drivers and contributed to crashes.
He cited Regulation 65 of L.I. 2180, which prohibited the fixing of unauthorised extra lights beyond the manufacturer’s specifications.
Mr Quansah said the NRSA had collaborated with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Police to remove such lights, but enforcement remained a challenge as some drivers reinstalled them after inspections.
He called for rigorous enforcement to deter offenders and improve compliance.
Mr Olympio Peku, Welfare Vice Chairman of the Tudu Lorry Station, described the education as important and timely.
He said although union leaders conducted internal checks, including ensuring that vehicles with worn-out tyres were not allowed to load passengers, they lacked the legal authority to enforce certain regulations.
Mr Peku said only the Police were mandated to enforce traffic laws, including issues relating to overloading and rooftop cargo.
He noted that during festive seasons, stakeholders, including road safety officials and the Police, often mounted joint road checks to ensure compliance, which served as a deterrent to reckless and drunk driving.
Mr Peku, however, identified congestion at the station as a major challenge, explaining that high vehicle volumes sometimes made monitoring difficult.
He said the station was undertaking infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a structured loading area, to ease congestion and improve passenger comfort.
Mr Peku urged drivers to exercise patience, avoid wrongful overtaking and excessive speeding, and prioritise passenger safety.
He reminded them that the loss of even one life was unacceptable and called on all road users to help reduce road crashes during the Easter season.
By Eric Appah Marfo
GNA
