Regional News of Monday, 1 February 2016

Source: The Finder

2,289 motorcycle accidents recorded last year

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Last year 2,289 motorcycles were involved in road crashes nationwide per statistics from the National Road Safety Commission.

The data, however, failed to distinguish between those for private use and commercial use. Though the law frowns on the use of motorcycles for commercial use, The Finder has observed that in recent times the popular ‘Okada’ trade has permeated the transportation system in the country.

Another observation made is that the necessary authorities have failed to clamp down on the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.

With impunity, most motorcycle operators disregard road traffic regulations, which is worrying to all road users, especially pedestrians, who often share the inadequate walkways available with them.

The breakdown of the data indicates that the Accra Region recorded the highest number of motorcycle crashes with a score of 699.

Towing in line is Tema Region, which recorded 232 motorcycle accidents. The Eastern Region followed third with 198 motorcycle crashes.

The Brong Ahafo Region came in fourth with 184 crashes. Coming in fifth is the Volta, where 181 motorcycle crashes were documented.

Following in sixth is the Ashanti Region, where 172 crashes were documented. Following is the Upper East Region with 165 cases.

The Upper West Region came in eighth with a score of 122 crashes. In the ninth position is the Western Region with a tally of 121.

The Northern Region came in 10th with 120 cases. Recording the least number of motorcycle crashes is the Central Region with a score of 95.

In a related development, 2,121 pedestrians were knocked down.