Wa, Jan. 19, GNA- The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), on organized a two-day workshop for drivers in the Wa Municipality, in the Upper West Region, at Wa as part of efforts to minimize the rate of motor accidents in the area.

Mr Devine Denoo, the Regional Licensing Officer, at the close of workshop on Wednesday, attributed the spate of accidents in the area partly to the use of many motorbikes, which had given rise to indiscipline on the part of riders and non-observance of traffic regulations by road users.

He noted that most of the riders used unlicensed motorbikes and those of them who operated the type known as "Rubber, Rubber" explained that their motorbikes were automatic and therefore they did not need to acquire license for their usage.

According to Mr Denoo, the major roads in Wa had no walkways and lanes for cyclists and with the increase in the number of motorbike and vehicle in the town, there was the scramble for space by road users and that had compounded the problem.

The participants discussed the Ghana Highway Code extensively, stressing on the observation of traffic markings, mandatory road signs, prohibitory signs and vehicle maintenance. Mr Mike Bamfo, a Consultant to the Commission, said accidents on the roads could be minimised through workshops and seminars and the enforcement of traffic regulations.

He asked drivers to ensure that their vehicles were put in good condition and to have the right mental frame before they set out on their journeys.

Mr Banfo said: "To avoid road accidents, vehicles and roads must be in good condition and drivers should obey traffic regulations". Mr Nuhu Mahama, the Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, urged drivers to take workshops on traffic seriously and improve upon their driving skills in order to minimise accidents. Statistics released by the Commission showed a sharp increase in the accident rate in the region with most of the mishaps occurring in the municipality.