THE growing indiscipline on the well laid-out roads in the Tamale metropolis is claiming the lives of motorists in the area.
Not only do most motorists flout traffic regulations, they also do not protect themselves by their refusal to wear helmets and seat belts in spite of efforts by the police and officials of the Road Safety Campaign to sensitise them to those safety measures.
What has even compounded the problem is the constant breakdown of traffic lights at various intersections in the metropolis resulting in the scramble for right of way with its ensuing chaos and accidents.
Some residents have, therefore, appealed to the police to step up their operations and arrest recalcitrant motorists and bring them to book to stem the tide.
Following the rising spate of accidents, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities from 25 deaths between the periods of January and April last year to 33 within the same span of time this year, representing an increase of 32 per cent.
Last year, 65 people died in the metropolis from 193 accidents recorded by personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the police in Tamale.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Albert Johnson, ‘‘in February this year, 17 motorists lost their lives in Tamale. And worst of all, 82 per cent of motor accident fatalities recorded last year, occurred in Tamale”.
He said 104 other traffic offences were registered in the metropolis and 46 culprits arraigned.
Meanwhile most of the fatal cases have been referred to the Attorney-General’s office for advice.
‘‘We would therefore want to advise all motorists and other road users to observe road traffic regulations and signs to ensure the safety of their lives and those of pedestrians,’’ Inspector Johnson admonished.
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