The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has organised a free eye screening exercise for VIP drivers at Asafo Lorry Terminal, as part of activities to mark its 25th anniversary celebration.
The DVLA has collaborated with Ghana Optometric Association to embark on the Free Eye Screening for the drivers, towards achieving accident free Christmas festivities on our roads.
The intervention, which was to educate the drivers on how to avoid or reduce traffic accidents, was supported by all the agencies in the road safety sector including the MTTD, Fire Service, National Road Safety Authority and the Ambulance Service.
Inj. Amos Abakah, the Ashanti Regional Manager of DVLA, explained that the exercise was aimed at reducing motor accidents on our roads, ahead of the Christmas festivities.
According to him, most avoidable traffic accidents are mainly caused by the drivers, hence the need for the DVLA to act on its mandate to sensitise drivers regarding what is expected of them when driving.
According to Inj. Abeka, the DVLA is determined to improve efficiency and upgrade their system for easy documentation and to be acceptable anywhere.
He said the screening would help the drivers know their health status, adding that, if one fails to go by the rules and regulations guiding the road traffic after the exercise, it would be subjected to the law, which they are going to enforce.
Mr. Agyenim Boateng, Ashanti Regional chairman of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) explained that road accidents normally do occur in the night, hence the need for drivers to test their eyes.
He attributed the cause of accidents to drivers and road users and urged the drivers to take a rest when they feel tired and check the condition of their vehicles, before they set off for a trip.
He announced that the Ministry of Transport and the NRSA would regulate all commercial vehicles in 2024 and entreated every driver to join a union, as drivers of commercial vehicles are going to be separated from private and other drivers.
C/Supt. Emmanuel Adu Boahen, the Ashanti Regional Commander of MTTD expressed worry over the reluctance of road users to accept the rules and regulations that govern traffic, in order to avoid accidents.
He noted that such an attitude results in waste of resources on preventable traffic accidents.
He urged the public to help prevent accidents on the roads, just as we prevent air or train crashes, and should not compromise with safety precautions, as the youth are dying through traffic accidents.
He advised the drivers to eschew drink and drive, while both the drivers and passengers must use their seat belts to save them, in case there is an accident.
Mr. Richard Adu Gyamfi, from Suame National Ambulance, stated that the emergency medical personnel are mandated to call the Fire Service and the police when an accident occurs and urged the public to call the ambulance service first, anytime there is an accident, to take care of the victims.
Mr Amos Opoku, the Vice Chairman of the Asafo VIP terminal, expressed appreciation to the DVLA for the safety guides and sensitisation, and gave the assurance that the Executives would always ensure that the drivers respect the rules and regulations of road traffic to save lives of passengers and other road users.
