Drivers will now undertake an annual mandatory refresher training to help reduce road crashes. The exercise which will be compulsory for commercial drivers, shall be done prior to the renewal of their licenses.
The program according to government will be spearheaded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.
Regulations 33 and 125 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) enjoins commercial vehicle drivers to attend a mandatory refresher course in driving and road safety prior to renewing of their driving licenses.
Government also hinted of implementing the installation of speed limiters and tachographs on commercial vehicles with gross weight of 3.5 metric tons and above as prescribed in Regulation 135 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, L.I. 2180, and promising to intensify the enforcement of regulations on travel speeds, wearing of seatbelts and crash helmets, Pedestrian Jay-walking among others.
These policies were announced by the Minister for Transport, Kweku Ofori Asiamah, at the launch of Ehyen Transport Service, a private job initiative, held at the University of Professional Studies, UPSA.
Mr. Asiamah said the latest policy directives and measures are as a result of rise in traffic fatalities and injuries being witnessed daily on the country’s roads. He urged road users to change their behaviors on the road.
“It is common knowledge that the act of indiscipline and reckless attitude of some road users are the contributory factors to traffic fatalities and injuries on our roads. We cannot achieve much if we do not change our behaviors on the road”, he noted.
He added “We all, as road users, especially drivers and pedestrians, must exhibit discipline and responsibility whilst driving, walking or crossing the road. Let us work together to compliment Government’s efforts at ensuring safety on our roads”.
