Road traffic crashes in the Ashanti region rose by 24 per cent in 2022. 

In an effort to reduce road crashes, especially during the festive season, tipper truck operators and other light vehicle drivers in Kumasi have been engaged in road safety precautionary practices.

The workshop organized by automobile company, Zonda Tec Ghana, aims to reduce the rampancy of road accidents.

Data from the Ashanti regional office of the National Road Safety Authority indicates 350 fatalities have been recorded this year as against 377 fatalities at the same time last year. 

Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, a heavy and light-duty automobile company, organised the road safety education for drivers to heighten road crash preventive practices. 

The second edition of the public awareness campaign engages motorists, pedestrians and the general public on safety measures to prevent road accidents. 

Human Resource Manager of Zonda Tec Ghana, Daniel Amoah, says the event forms part of the firm's corporate social responsibility. 

He urged drivers to seek proper and regular car servicing and maintenance. 

“One of the core values is to place customers first. As a lead-in brand in the heavy-duty automobile industry, it was only in the right direction to hasten to help reduce road accidents on our roads to ensure public safety. 

“Machines are made to be serviced at a point in time, neglecting this will affect efficiency and the result will be accidents. I would urge drivers to take their services seriously and patronize quality services from Zonda Tec Ghana Limited,” he said. 

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Road Safety Authority, Akwasi Agyenim Boateng, emphasized the need to comply with laid out road regulations in curbing road accidents. 

“Generally, we are making progress. But every life is precious. We will encourage drivers to have adequate rest before a journey. Drink driving adds to the education.

“They must ensure pre-trip inspections. They should inspect tyres and comply with regulations including with a car tyre safety in regulation 65, and use the quality type. All these will be enforced by the police,” he said.

Some beneficiaries said the education has been an eye-opener. 

“We already knew some of the things they mentioned. However, they treated them deeply to bring out the least information which will be beneficial to us drivers and customers of Zonda Tec Ghana,” Iddrisu Ibrahim said. 

The campaign was in collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, the National Road Safety Authority, the Ashanti Regional Red Cross Society and the Ghana Police Service.