Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets, Shell branded fuels and lubricants, in partnership with the National Road Safety Commission, has mounted and unveiled its branded crossing aids also known as lollipop stands at the Salvation Army Cluster of Schools as part of activities marking the company’s annual safety day event.

The lollipop stand is aimed at assisting school children in crossing the road safely and reducing conflict that normally occurs between drivers and pedestrians.

The Communications Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mrs. Shirley Tony Kum, who unveiled the lollipop stand said: “Safety is a key priority of Vivo Energy and is the hub around which the business revolves, and road safety is a key pillar of our community investment activity. In view of this, the company will continue to work with the relevant agencies to shape the attitudes and behaviors of children and young people to be good road safety ambassadors.”

Mrs. Shirley Tony Kum, said Vivo Energy Ghana will mount additional lollipop stands for schools located on along high risk roads in Accra, Tema and Takoradi. She also used the opportunity to advise drivers to observe road traffic rules to prevent avoidable road traffic crashes and fatalities.

The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Commission, Ms. Catherine Hamilton, stated that in Ghana about 21 per cent of all road fatalities involve children under the age of 16 years.

From January-March 2015, 60 out of a total of 395 traffic fatalities recorded involved children under 18 years. 

Mrs. Hamilton said the knowledge and skill of road usage among children are very low coupled with limited safety facilities in road infrastructure such as walkways and safe crossing points for pedestrians, particularly children who are at a high risk of being hit by a vehicle. 

The lollipop stands mounted by Vivo Energy Ghana will serve as a speed control measure towards approaching a pedestrian crossing and give pedestrians, especially school children, some level of legitimacy as a road user.