The Oti Region has reported 41 road crashes between January and September 2024, involving 53 vehicles.

These included 20 commercial vehicles, 10 private cars, and 23 motorcycles.

The accidents resulted in 10 deaths and 78 injuries, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year, 2023.

The Acting Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in Oti, Ms Theresa Agyeman, attributed the rise in casualties to speeding and wrongful overtaking, particularly among motorcyclists.

August recorded the highest number of crashes with 8, while February and March had the lowest with only 2 each.

The months of April and July saw the highest fatalities, recording 3 deaths each.

The region also witnessed a sharp increase in pedestrian knockdowns.

Nine pedestrians, mostly children, were knocked down during this period, representing a 125% rise from the 4 cases recorded in 2023.

Motorcycles contributed to 43.40% of the crashes, followed by commercial vehicles at 37.74% and private vehicles at 18.87%.

Ms. Agyeman explained that the high rate of motorcycle-related accidents was due to poor regulation, lack of training, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.

To address this, she said the NRSA collaborated with the Police and engaged motorcyclists through education on the dangers of reckless riding and the importance of complying with road safety regulations, particularly helmet use.

Research indicates that road crashes tend to increase during election years.

To counter this trend, Ms Agyeman said the NRSA has taken proactive measures, including revising the road safety political code and engaging political parties to promote safer practices during campaigns.

Ms. Agyeman stated that the NRSA has intensified road safety campaigns on radio and sensitized political actors and their supporters about the dangers of reckless driving and riding during election periods.

The NRSA remains committed to reducing road accidents and improving road safety through collaboration, education, and enforcement.