A study conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has revealed that accidents caused by motorcycles have topped all road accidents fatality in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.
The research conducted in collaboration with the John Hopkins University captured observation of risk factors: speed, helmet use, seatbelt use and child restraint use.
The study revealed that, fatality among accident caused by motorcycles have taken the lead in all road accident in recent years as compared to previous years where motor accident was on the seventh position in years back.
This was made known at a Bloomberg Road Safety Workshop held in Kumasi participated by Transport Officers from slected Metropolitan/Municipal Assemblies, Health and Educational Directorates and other government institutions in Kumas, the Ashanti Regional Capital.
According to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) only 5% of passengers in Kumasi use seat belt as compared to 25% use among drivers.
Only 15% of people used seat belt in Kumasi but on weekends the use of seat belt is very minimal. Drivers are also likely to speed up on weekends causing a lot of road accidents.
Helmet use among riders is still low at 44% and 6% among passengers.
While road traffic death has increased by 57% since 2017, the country’s population is growing only at 25% rate.
In the research conducted in 2021, Kumasi alone recorded 160 fatalities, 794 minor injuries and 558 serious injuries.
Speaking at the event, Engineer Francis Afukaar stressed on the need on all stakeholders to come together to work to prevent the menace.
Some participants also express the need for such workshop and how it will help their organization in ensuring safety.
