The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has called on drivers not to bring misery to homes during the yuletide and also abstain from alcohol when driving.

This was contained in a Christmas and New Year message to the members of the Union by Alhaji Yaw Manu, National Chairman and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Friday.

“The year 2012 is about to end and as customs demands on behalf of the National Executive Council, the National Secretariat and on my own behalf that I congratulate members of the Union for the roles played as transport operators,” the statement said.

“We take this opportunity to remind ourselves that a good driver is the one who goes on his trip with a well maintained vehicle and returns home safely to meet his family; therefore, one should maintain his vehicle, observe all traffic signs and drive with extra care and save life and property.”

It said it was necessary to remind members again about the need to promote road safety during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“It has been attested that about 86 per cent of road accidents occur through human related errors,” the statement said.

It said it is therefore the conviction of the Union that if drivers exercise great caution in their operations, the accident rate on the roads could be minimised "if it can’t be completely eliminated".