General News of Friday, 24 March 2006

Source: GNA

Non-Compliance to speed limit, major cause of accidents - Report

Accra, March 24, GNA - Non-Compliance to speed limit imposed in the Highway Code has been cited as the major cause of accidents on the Accra - Tema Motorway, and other parts of the country. A statement signed by Mr David Eklu, Director of the Public Relation Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, said the cause was identified following a recent investigation conducted by the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU). It said the investigation showed that some drivers lose control of their vehicles due to reckless driving usually caused by overtaking, speeding and using of ineffective wipers on the road when it rained.

Moreover, some drivers and vehicle owners did not maintain their vehicles noting especially poor braking system, traffic regulators and failure to use appropriate warning triangles when their vehicles break down on highways.

The Police, therefore, reminded the public that the speed limit on the Tema Motorway still remained 100 kilometres per hour; 80 kilometres per hour on other highways, and 50 kilometres per hour on other roads, which must be strictly adhered to. It urged drivers and vehicle owners to constantly check and maintain their vehicles. The statement said the Police had intensified the enforcement of the law and public education on the matter and urged all concerned to insist that motorists adhered to the regulations.