Some 209 road accidents have been recorded in the first quarter of 2011 in the Western Region, Alhaji
Mohammed Osumanu Mbo, the Regional Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), said on Monday.
He was speaking at an Easter Road Safety Campaign organized by the Takoradi Circuit of the Methodist Church of Ghana at the Takoradi Accra Station.
Alhaji Mbo said about 67 persons died in the accidents and 350 people were injured.
He said in 2010, 853 road accidents were recorded, 116 persons died and 1,088 sustained injuries.
Alhaji Mbo said the figures for the first quarter of the year were too high and there was the need for collective efforts to stop the carnage on the roads.
He said most accidents occurred during Christmas, Easter and other festive occasions because of the desire of drivers and vehicle
owners to maximize profits by over speeding.
Alhaji Mbo urged all road users including drivers and pedestrians to be patient and tolerant of each other.
He said passengers should also be patient and not dictate to drivers.
Mr Godson Wemegah, Regional Director of Driver, Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), advised drivers to test their eyesight every two years before renewing their driving license.
He said drivers who have defective eyesight should wear their glasses when on the road.
The Very Rev Emmanuel Aryee, Superintendent Minister of the Takoradi Circuit of the Methodist Church, said the programme was being organized by the Men’s Fellowship and the Lay Movement of the Church to assist to reduce road accidents.