The Upper East Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has appealed to motorists and motorcyclists to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse while driving or riding before, during, and after the Christmas festive season.

The Authority warned that substance abuse remains a major cause of road fatalities in the region and stressed the need for collective and urgent measures to address the challenge and ensure safety on the roads.

It said such measures would help reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities usually associated with the yuletide.

The call comes amid heightened movement, travel, and celebrations associated with the season, which the Authority noted is often marked by risky road behaviours, including driving or riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In a statement issued by the Upper East Regional Office of the NRSA and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Authority explained that alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction time, and reduce alertness, significantly increasing the risk of crashes.

Provisional statistics from the Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) indicate that non-compliance with road safety rules, particularly riding under the influence of alcohol, is among the leading factors contributing to road fatalities, especially among youth who ride motorcycles.

The data showed that crashes, injuries, and deaths reduced from January to November 2025, recording 89 crashes, 127 injuries, and 58 deaths, representing 22 percent, 27 percent, and 3.4 percent reductions, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.

To safeguard lives during the festive season, the NRSA strongly urged road users to refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs before and while driving or riding, designate sober drivers or opt for alternative means of transport if they intend to drink, and ensure the use of approved helmets and seat belts at all times.

Road users were also advised to obey speed limits and adhere strictly to all traffic regulations to reduce preventable crashes.

The Authority further called on families, opinion leaders, riders, drivers, traditional authorities, and politicians to champion the campaign for a substance-free yuletide, particularly for those travelling on the roads.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the statement said, urging the public to ensure that the Christmas season is remembered for peace and tranquillity rather than tragedy.

The NRSA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer road use in the region and appealed to all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the festive period.