GTPCWU caution drivers

The General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) has called on drivers to observe traffic laws and regulations to avoid road accidents during the Christmas festivities. A statement signed by GTPCWU General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Armstrong Mensah in Accra on Thursday, noted that while some circumstances that resulted in roads accidents were beyond the control of drivers, most of the accidents were due to drunk driving, unnecessary overtaking, over speeding and failure to observe road signs. The statement stated that the Union was duty bound to add its voice to the numerous calls by the National Road Safety Commission, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Transport Unions, the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Police Service and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) on the need to ensure safety on the roads. It also said the Union identified refusal of drivers to observe mandatory rest stops, over loading, lack of vehicle maintenance, use of worn out tires and the refusal by some drivers to wear seat belts and driving on the shoulders of roads among others. The statement appealed to drivers to show concern for other road users to ensure safety on the roads. "Ghana needs its citizens alive to enable them to continue to play their roles in socio-economic development" and asked Ghanaians to continue to live together in peace.