Regional News of Wednesday, 22 December 2004

Source: GNA

Drivers asked to ensure accident-free yuletide

Begoro, Dec. 22, GNA - Drivers have been reminded to be extra disciplined by observing traffic regulations to ensure an accident-free Christmas season.

Addressing drivers at Begoro on Monday, the chairman of Begoro branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Mr Alex Kwabena Amoama, asked drivers not to "erode the joy in mankind" towards the celebration of the birth of the Jesus Christ through reckless driving and accidents.

He noted that most drivers at Begoro and its surroundings have capitalized on the influx of passengers to violate traffic regulations with impunity "in their mad rush to make more sales at the expense of precious lives and property."

Mr Amoama warned that any driver found to have committed traffic offences, especially during the Christmas period would have his vehicle impounded and handed over to the police for prosecution. He asked drivers to respect passengers as partners in development and stop picking petty squabbles with them.

The branch secretary, Mr Kwame Sarpong, asked drivers to respect the rights of pedestrians as users of the road. He asked them also to pay their vehicle income tax regularly to avoid prosecution.