Apam (C/R), Oct 31, GNA - The Apam District Police Administration has organised a forum to reduce road accidents in the area. Representatives of the Departments of Urban and Feeder Roads, mechanics, transport unions, the National Disaster Management and opinion leaders from Apam, Dawurampong, Ankamu and Mumford attended the forum.

In an address, the District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police K Asare Baffour, identified some of the common causes of accidents in the area as human error, recklessness, negligence, excessive speeding, mechanical defects and carelessness at junctions.

Mr Asare Baffour stated that between January and September 2003, there were 23 accidents involving 34 vehicles resulting in three deaths on the spot.

In 2004, there were 46 accidents involving 68 vehicles resulting in the death of 20 on the spot, while 30 accidents involving 53 vehicles with 15 deaths on the spot had been recorded this year. The participants called for periodic education at lorry parks for both drivers and the public and urged the National Road Safety Committee to intensify its public education on road traffic regulations through the media.

They called for the review of driving schools and stressed the need for transport unions to record vehicles under them to ensure that their documents such as road worthy certificates, drivers' licence, insurance and tax certificates were up to date.

They also called on commercial drivers and station overseers to ensure that the recent five per cent increase in fares as a result of the fuel price hike was complied with and those found to be over charging prosecuted.