🎧 Listen To GHRadio1

149 young people died in road crashes in the first half of 2024 - NRSC

149 young people died in road crashes in the first half of 2024 - NRSC

Data from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has shown a troubling reality — 149 children and teenagers under 18 lost their lives in road accidents during the first half of 2024. Despite a slight reduction in overall road crashes in the country, fatalities have surged, raising alarm among safety advocates and policymakers. Between January and June 2024, Ghana recorded 6,653 road crashes involving 11,283 vehicles, resulting in 8,798 casualties. Of these, 1,237 people died, while 7,561 sustained injuries according to data from NRSC. Although pedestrian knockdowns saw a marginal decline, fatalities rose by 13%, compared to the same period in 2023, underscoring the persistent dangers on the country's roads. "A summary of the provisional national traffic crash and casualty statistics indicates that a total of 6,653 road traffic crashes were reported from January to June 2024. These crashes involved 11,283 vehicles of all categories (Private, Commercial, Motorbikes/Cycles, etc.), and 8,798 casualties (1,237 fatalities/deaths and 7,561 injuries) Knockdowns decreased by 4%, 4.5%, 3.8% and 1% respectively from January to June 2024 whilst persons killed increased by 13% when compared to the same period of 2023. "In June 21 (12%) persons killed were below 18 years whilst 150 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above) 18 years. Likewise, from January to June, 149 (12%) persons killed were below the age of 18 years whilst 1088 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above 18 years)", the report indicated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies road traffic injuries as a leading cause of death among children and young adults aged 5–29 years. The tragic loss of young lives has reignited calls for urgent interventions. Road safety advocates are demanding stricter enforcement of speed limits, particularly near schools and residential areas, as well as the installation of pedestrian crossings and clearer road signage. Public education campaigns targeting both drivers and pedestrians have also been highlighted as essential measures to reduce fatalities. The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG), has also urged stakeholders to reconsider the nation’s transportation sector against the risk to children. According to the PSG, children are prone to road accidents due to cognitive limitations and size, hence the need to re-evaluate the entire road transportation regime to guarantee their safety. They note that reckless driving, speeding, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and a general lack of awareness persisted as main causes of road accidents and should continue to inform stakeholder interventions in policy and infrastructure. They have urged parents and guardians to take an active role in educating their children on road safety, emphasising the importance of using designated crossings and staying alert in traffic-prone areas. Also, the rising fatalities serve as a stark reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring collective action from authorities, drivers, and pedestrians alike. JKB/AE In the meantime, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017

Source: GhanaWeb


Return To Headlines