Madina, Jan 23, GNA - Between November and December last year, 42 accidents were recorded with serious fatalities within the jurisdiction of Madina when the Police were removed from the roads to cover the general election.

At a forum held by, the Accra-North-East MTTU Divisional Police at Madina, the Commandant, ASP Mr. James Owusu-Mensah, advised drivers and their representatives to make 2009 an accident free year. About 300 executive members from the GPRTU, Tiger Transport Company, PROTOA, Drivers and Owners Association and other transport groups attended the forum.

The Commandant noted that most accidents that occurred on our roads were due to failure on the part of drivers to maintain their vehicles.

"Some of you use worn out tyres, which often result in very serious accidents when they burst while the vehicle is in motion," he said. ASP Owusu-Mensah said in 360 accidents occurred in 2007. These involved 542 vehicles with 14 people losing their lives. That year, GH¢ 12,040 was collected as fines for traffic offences by the courts.

In 2008, the Unit recorded 291 accidents involving 449 vehicles with 15 deaths, while indiscipline drivers who were prosecuted paid a total of GH¢ 13,120.

ASP Owusu-Mensah warned drivers to refrain from getting drunk or smoking wee before driving since these behaviours reduced the drivers' focus and control behind the steering wheels.

He also appealed to the drivers who had faulty headlights and traffic indicators to have them repaired.

Drivers should also stop driving on the shoulders of the road because they would be severely dealt with when arrested, he cautioned.

ASP Owusu-Mensah asked the various executive members of the unions to report drivers who would use licenses of private cars to drive commercial buses to the MTTU.