The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the Western Region recorded 86 deaths during the first half of the year, which saw 33.8 per cent decrease.

Provisional statistics available at the regional NRSC indicated that, 480 persons were injured representing 7.3 per cent decrease compared to figures during the same period last year.

Alhaji Mohammed Sumani Mbo, Regional Manager of the Commission, made this known at the mid-year review meeting of the NRSC in Kumasi on the theme: “Scaling up towards the attainment of 2011-2013 action plan objectives, no excuse”.

He indicated that 473 road crashes were recorded involving 594 vehicles with 54 pedestrian knockdowns.

Alhaji Mbo lauded the police and other law enforcement agencies for increasing their visibility on the road to enforce the new Road Traffic Regulation LI 2180.

He said that the Commission visited schools, churches, mosques, lorry parks and radio stations to explain the new Road Traffic Regulations as well as the do’s and don’ts on the road.

He said the Commission established social clubs at the basic, secondary and teacher training colleges and supported these facilities with educational materials and paraphernalia to facilitate the educational drive.

He observed that engagement of all actors and players in the road sector could help address the carnage on the road.

Alhaji Mbo noted that the Commission had envisaged reducing road fatalities by 23 per cent by the end of the year.

He asked motorists and pedestrians to adhere to road safety measures to save precious lives and property.