Road accident fatalities reduce in 2008

16-01-09
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ONE thousand five hundred and eighteen people were killed, while 8,037 were injured, in road crashes across the country last year, registering an increase in road fatalities but a reduction in injuries over the previous year’s figures.
While the death toll increased by 172 following the death of 1,346 people in 2007, the number injured dropped by 3, 413 from last year’s figure of 11,450.
According to the 2008 statistics on road traffic accidents, there was also a reduction in the number of accidents, as well as the vehicles involved.
The statistics revealed that 11,209 accidents, involving 17,994 vehicles, occurred last year, as against the 2007 figures of 11,648 accidents involving 17,496 vehicles.
In 2008, the number of serious cases was 2,896, while the minor ones were 7,120. Those detained in hospital were 2,896, while 7,120 were discharged immediately after they had been rushed to the hospital.
The year 2007 recorded 2,962 serious cases, with the minor ones being 7,573.
According to the statistics, the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of accidents of 4,976, involving 9,147 vehicles. The Ashanti Region followed with 1,772 cases involving 9,147 vehicles.
However, the Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of deaths through accidents with a toll of 268, with the Greater Accra recording 220 deaths.
The Upper West Region had the lowest number of cases of 49, involving 87 vehicles, with 32 killed. There were 48 injured people.
The Eastern Region recorded 1,001 accidents; Tema, 813; Central Region, 739; Western Region, 668; Brong Ahafo, 616; Volta, 365; Northern, 116 and Upper East, 94.
The Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police Daniel Avorga, attributed the reduction in the number of deaths from accidents to the wearing of seat belts.
He said more people would have died if they had not worn their seat belts, adding that the law on the wearing of seat belts would be enforced by the police.
“If people wear seat belts the number of deaths and injuries recorded on our roads will reduce. The wearing of seat belts saves lives,” he emphasised.
DCOP Avorga said the statistics showed that areas with high economic activities recorded more accidents, while those with low activities had fewer accidents.