Accra, April 9, GNA - The Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) on Thursday asked motorists to exercise restraint during the Easter holidays. A statement signed by Mr Mike Hammah, the sector Minister, extended their best wishes to all Ghanaians especially the Christian community on the occasion of Easter.

It noted that the first quarter of the year had been characterized by some disturbing fatal crashes resulting in the loss of lives leaving several people in a state of despair out of permanent or temporary disability. The Ministry extended profound commiseration to the families of the afflicted.

"We wish to remind motorists of the need to exercise care and observe the simple road use rules and best road safety practices relative to high speeds, drink driving, driver fatigue and overloading as we approach the Easter season." The statement said the NRSC had intensified its publicity efforts ahead of the season.

"It is our expectation that the transport unions will implement the recently agreed measure on the use of vehicle log books and conduct pre-departure checks on the competence of the drivers and the state of the vehicles."

The statement said MTTU had also increased its presence on the highways and accident prone areas to help improve compliance to the existing regulations. "Passengers are encouraged not only to patronize transport services from approved terminals but are also required to be observant of driver misbehaviour and demand what will guarantee their safety," it said, adding "road safety was a shared responsibility and must start with you".