In Ghana today, we have a very serious problem of drivers who have driving licenses but actually know very little about the life-saving rules they must observe whilst operating an automobile. They are the acclaimed masters of the road but in fact are actually repeating mistakes and bad driving habits that are bound to cause grave accidents. This phenomenon persists because of the fraudulent manner in which licenses have been issued. We must bring driving standards on par with that of the leading countries of the world as this means that tourists and foreigners who come to visit or even work in Ghana can drive comfortably. If Ghana is to move forward, it is high-time we re-visit the issue of our ill-educated commercial (and even private) drivers who are putting the lives of their passengers and other road users in danger whilst operating motorised vehicles. I have taken the time to highlight some of the dangerous scenarios seen on Ghanaian roads today. I am sure you will agree these problems exist today and something must be done:
Lane discipline:
It is almost non-existent. The criss-crossing of vehicles from lane to lane is a dangerous habit that needs to be curbed. Lane discipline is especially crucial at roundabouts where it is necessary to position the vehicle in accordance with the exit to be taken. Also, at roundabouts, vehicles need to yield to those already in the circle. This means that the circle should be clear before they proceed onto the appropriate lane. On dual carriageways, slow moving vehicles should remain in the right hand lane. After over-taking a vehicle on the left, a driver must always return to the right-hand lane. It is only a common courtesy to other road users to practice these sensible rules.
Traffic at Road junctions:
Gaps should be left in traffic queues at junctions to enable those vehicles that are joining lanes going in the other direction to get through. Hatched areas should be introduced whereby if a route is not clear, the vehicle must not enter into. There is NO SENSE in blocking the path of all other vehicles whilst waiting for a clearance in your path, causing an unnecessary obstruction.
Zebra Crossings:
Pedestrians are rarely considered as legitimate road users by vehicle drivers. In fact they should be considered the most important due to their vulnerability. Vehicles need to stop whenever there is a pedestrian waiting at a zebra crossing. Instead, what we see is pedestrians waiting for a break in the flow of traffic in order to cross. What is the point of a zebra crossing if this is the manner in which pedestrians are going to be treated on our roads? We must remember that a greater part of our demographic is made up of children who often have to use the safety provided by the existence of zebra crossings.
Cyclists:
Reflective clothing and lights are needed to the front and back of the bicycles to make them visible to other road users at night.
There are many bicycle users who will benefit from the introduction of cycle lanes. The planners and designers of our future road networks will need to bear in mind the reduction of congestion that can be achieved by dedicating lanes to cyclists only. Other dedicated cycle routes should be built off the road networks to channel cyclists through shorter routes that may cut through various narrow passages otherwise not suitable for larger vehicles. There are many cycling enthusiasts who will see this as a triumph. Cycling should be promoted in Ghana as it is being done around the world for many obvious reasons the key ones being that it improves health and well-being and also helps to reduce our carbon foot-print.
Motor Cyclists:
Some riders have been seen to flout the rules of the road, riding against traffic, through red lights and across central reservations. Women with babies strapped onto their backs have been seen riding as passengers, without crash helmets!
On the other hand, other bigger vehicles side-line motor cyclists endangering their presence on the roads. All road users should be afforded an equal respect regardless of the size of their vehicle. Motor-cyclists should not be forced off the roads by overtaking vehicles neither should they be made to panic by tailgating. A motor cyclist should be given the same amount of space that would be given to a car, nothing less.
Whilst on the topic, it is only fair to highlight that our street infrastructure is often poor. Good drivers are forced to compromise their high driving standards due to the lack of basic amenities that are usually in place to aid driving in difficult conditions.
Street Lights:
Most drivers need their high beams on as the streetlights do not work. This is extremely hazardous to oncoming drivers. Drivers can be seen to manoeuvre difficult roads in pitch-black conditions. The fact that electricity is in short supply does not help. Does this mean we should be looking at solar-powered LED street lights as a permanent solution? We can begin future-proofing by insisting on LED lights and deep-cycle batteries for all streetlights currently being procured by government. We know what our issues are so it makes much more sense to be prepared with the correct equipment in order to have a longer-lasting solution. LED lights require less power and the solar energy can be harnessed to charge batteries that will discharge to power the street lights at night. Surely, this is a solution worth investing in.
Road signage:
A combination of the lack of lights and signage means that unless you are a regular user of a particular road and know where a speed bump is located for example, you may not be able to guess its location at night without seeing the signs. Signs are not consistent with the features that exist on the road network. Road markings are also inadequate. All these factors contribute to the dangers of driving at night.
Enforcers of the law (Policemen):
Some police personnel are sometimes seen to be talking on their mobile phones whilst directing traffic. This is a bad example by the enforcers of the laws of the land. If a driver were to do the same they would rather be seen to be causing a hazard. The hypocrisy…Police personnel collect bribes openly and this may give drivers the confidence to do what they do on our roads as they know they can get away with it by paying the policeman off. A note to the police, please let us do the honourable thing. It is absolutely disgraceful to be involved in such atrocious behaviour. We need Ghana to work properly again and you gentlemen (and ladies) are a very important factor to us achieving this end. Do not let us all down.
God bless Ghana!
