"Change the LI that prohibits motorcycles from operating as taxis" – Ex-boss of MTTD

General News on Friday, August 2nd, 2019

Source: Graphic.com.gh

2019-08-02

A former commander of the Ghana Traffic Police Department of Road Traffic and Transport (MTTD) urged Parliament to amend the Legislative Instrument (LOI), which prohibits the use of motorcycles as taxis (Okada).

Section 128 (1), (2) and (3) of the 2012 traffic regulations, LI 2180, prohibits the use of a motorcycle, tricycle or what is commonly referred to as " Okada "for commercial purposes.

In 2012, the use of motorcycles for commercial transportation in the country was banned under Rule 128 (1-4) of the 2012 Traffic Regulations, which states: "The authority of licensing must not register a motorcycle to carry a paying pbadenger. "

But Deputy Police Commissioner (ACP), Victor Tandoh (retd), said the amendment to the LOI would allow the police and other authorities not only to regulate the activities of these motorcycles, but also to regulate the activities of these motorcycles. identify and educate Okada drivers about signs and safety rules. , as well as the good use of motorcycles.

"Today, almost all Okada cyclists do not consider themselves as road users and not only respect the rules of the road, killing and mutilating many customers, but also stunning pedestrians." , did he declare.

Mr. Tandoh made this call when he shared his views with the Daily Graphic on ways to improve road safety to reduce carnage on the country's roads.

The interview was part of Graphic Communications Group Limited's safety campaign.

Statistics

Figures from the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) indicate that in 2015, some 2,289 motorcycles were involved in road crashes across the country, while in the first quarter of 2017, approximately 708 road users died as a result of 4,049 road accidents, of which 3,983 suffered various types of injuries. .

Korle Bu

Between 2017 and May this year, the trauma unit of Korle Bu University Hospital recorded 2,563 accident cases in Okada.

The unit recorded 1,151 cases of Okada in 2017, 950 in 2018 and 462 in May this year. The statistics from the unit indicate that an average of 95 cases were recorded per month.

Legislation needed

Mr. Tandoh said the police had almost succeeded in the past in preventing the use of motorcycles as taxis (okada) in Accra, but that his efforts had been defeated, which had resulted in greater indiscipline of cyclists on roads.

According to him, while the law prohibited the use of the motorcycle for commercial purposes, most politicians considered the introduction of Okada as a way to create jobs for "boys".

"Although the police are not against Okada, I think politicians should help enact a law to regulate the Okada runners' operations. Today, bikers of three or four people sitting in Okada are sitting on their motorbikes and the insecurity is such. Go to hospitals and you will see a number of motorcycle accident victims with legs in suspension or cut, "he said.

He noted that "due to the lack of legislation to support Okada's activities in the country, insurance companies were not willing to insure pbadengers and pbadengers." Okada users against accidents.

"So if politicians think that Okada is a way to create jobs for boys, there should be a law to support it, so we can identify those who are Okada and those who are not." , did he declare.

Dysfunctional road systems

Addressing various factors contributing to road accidents, Mr. Tandoh expressed his concern about the faded road markings and the dysfunctional traffic lights left unattended in Accra.

For example, he cited the traffic lights at Palm Wine Junction, near the Accra International Exhibition Center, and at the intersection of the American House at East Legon, both turned off for almost two years, claiming that it caused accidents on the roads.

"Today, many guardrails designed to protect vehicles have been demolished and not replaced, contributing to accidents," he said.

Avoid driving tired

While accusing the drivers of driving imprudently, such as speeding and unjustified overtaking, the former MTTD boss said that many tired drivers refused to listen to their tired bodies, which often led to frontal collisions. roads.

"Motorists always think they can chew cola and drink coffee to stimulate their sleep, but when you're tired, you can never cheat on nature. When you start to feel the symptoms of yawning, cola and coffee can not save you.

"If drivers change their behavior in the event of unnecessary speeding and pbading and listen to their bodies when they are tired, this will greatly help to avoid some of the accidents – accidents," he advised.

Drinking and driving

While worrying about more and more frequent cases of drunken driving in Ghana, Mr. Tandoh said that most drivers, especially private drivers, often practice driving in poor condition. Drunk on the weekends, which largely contributes to the high rate of accidents.

"Our accident data shows that most accidents occur on the evenings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All of this happens at a time when alcohol is promoted and people are interested in its consumption.

"Now, if you walk in front of popular pubs in our communities at night, you will see many private vehicles parked by the side of the road and you will not see taxi drivers or trotro drivers," he said.