As we celebrate the Muslim holidays, roads will experience increased traffic, mainly from motorbike riders and pedestrians. The festive atmosphere should not come at the cost of road safety. MISORNU SAFETY CENTRE urges all motor riders, passengers, and pedestrians to prioritise safety and adhere to responsible road practices to prevent accidents and save lives.

Motorbike Accident Risks and Preventive Measures

Motorbike crashes account for a significant portion of road accidents, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Some of the major causes include speeding, reckless riding, lack of helmet use, poor visibility, overloading, and failure to obey traffic rules. To mitigate these risks, all road users must play their part.

Safety Guidelines for Motor Riders

Always wear a helmet; a well-fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of a crash. Observe speed limits and avoid excessive speeding and reckless overtaking. Avoid overloading by carrying only one passenger and ensure they sit properly with their feet on the footrests. Use headlights and reflectors to increase visibility, especially at night and in poor weather conditions.  Regularly maintain your bike to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and the engine are in good condition before setting off. Follow traffic rules by obeying traffic signals, using indicators when turning, and yielding the right-of-way when necessary. Be extra cautious on bad roads by slowing down when navigating potholes, sharp curves, and slippery roads.

It is dangerous to carry heavy items since this can throw the bike off balance. The Center has observed with concern some riders carrying huge items like fridges etc, on motorbikes

Safety Tips for Passengers

Always wear a helmet when riding as a passenger.  You can have your own helmet and use it whenever you board a motorcycle. Sit properly and hold onto the rider to maintain balance. Avoid distracting the rider during movement. Do not board an overloaded or reckless rider’s motorbike.

Safety Guidelines for Pedestrians

Cross roads safely by using pedestrian crossings, footbridges, or designated walkways. Look before you cross by always checking both directions before stepping onto the road. Avoid walking on highways; if no pedestrian lane is available, walk facing oncoming traffic. Be cautious of speeding motorbikes and assume that some riders may not see you in time. Stay alert and avoid distractions by not using your phone or wearing earphones when crossing roads.

Call to Action

The Eid al-Fitr holidays should be a time of joy, not tragedy. Let us all work together to ensure safer roads by riding responsibly, respecting traffic rules, and looking out for one another. MISORNU SAFETY CENTRE encourages all riders, passengers, and pedestrians to adopt these safety measures and make road safety a shared responsibility.

Stay Safe. Ride Smart. Save Lives. Happy Eid to all Muslims in Ghana and across the world.

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DCOP Rtd David Eklu is the founder and CEO of Misornu Safety Centre, a public service NGO dedicated to safety and security awareness