The Acting Western North Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Oheneba Acheampong, has identified overspeeding, overloading, and the increasing number of underage motorcycle and tricycle riders as some of the major causes of road accidents in the region.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Asare Kesse on Kro Yi Mu Nsem, Oheneba Acheampong, who also serves as a Road Safety Inspector, said road safety remains a major concern despite a recent decline in accident cases recorded across the region.
According to him, although accident figures have improved in recent times, unsafe road practices continue to put the lives of motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk.
He noted that road accidents remain a major public safety challenge in the region, with many incidents resulting from avoidable human error and violations of traffic regulations.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians, law enforcement agencies, and transport operators to ensure safer roads and protect lives.
The Acting Regional Head also expressed concern over the growing number of underage operators of commercial tricycles, popularly known as Pragya, and motorcycles, commonly referred to as Aboboyaa.
He explained that many of these young riders lack the necessary training, licensing, and experience required to operate safely on public roads.
He urged passengers to play an active role in promoting road safety by cautioning drivers who exceed approved speed limits. He also advised pedestrians against using headphones while walking along roads, explaining that doing so reduces their awareness of approaching vehicles and other potential dangers.
Oheneba Acheampong further noted that the consumption of alcohol and other substances by some drivers and riders contributes significantly to road accidents.
He emphasized the need for greater discipline among road users and increased public education on responsible road use.
He encouraged all road users to observe traffic regulations and adopt safe practices at all times to help reduce accidents and save lives across the Western North Region.
