One hundred and thirty seven-persons lost their lives in motor accidents in the Eastern Region last year, making the region the third highest in road fatalities in the country.

As many as 1,629 persons were also injured during the period in a cumulative 1,216 incidents involving 1,726 vehicles.

The Eastern Regional Commander of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police, Superintendent Cosmos Nti, who revealed these figures at a road safety education programme at Koforidua on Tuesday described the situation as "alarming."

He said what was shocking about these negative developments on the nation's roads was that "human factor accounted for ninety percent" of the cases.

Supt. Nti said for the country to succeed in the battle against indiscipline on the nation's roads and highways everyone must be proactive especially pedestrians, cyclists, truck pushers, and hawkers.

Supt. Nti said because a lot of the fatalities involved children, there was need for parents to escort their minors to and from school as well as ensuring that they hold their hands.

He advised school children to stop playing 'gutter to gutter' football on the streets to avoid the risk of being knocked down by vehicles.

Supt Nti cautioned riders to first obtain driving licenses and have their bikes registered with the relevant licensing authorities before using them.

The Deputy Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mr Adjetey Sowah who chaired the function urged parents to show interest in their wards and ensure their safety at all times.

Source GNA