99% of road crashes are caused by preventable accidents -WRI

Mark Tonyemevor - WRI

Mr. Mark Tonyemevor from the World Resources Institute in Kumasi stated that 99% of road crashes are preventable. He emphasized that these incidents are predictable when risk factors are identified and addressed.

He explained that something can be done to prevent crashes. Risk factors increase the likelihood of a crash or worsen its outcomes.

Mr. Tonyemevor shared this information at a Media Training Workshop. This event was organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. The workshop focused on a report about road traffic deaths.

The training aimed to highlight road safety as a public health issue. There has been a rise in fatalities due to road crashes, according to the National Road Safety Authority.

Mr. Tonyemevor stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including journalists. Media and communication programs can help reduce road crash fatalities.

The workshop trained media personnel experienced in local issues like infrastructure and health. Participants explored new ways to cover this neglected but deadly health challenge.

They aimed to expand their skills and create impactful stories about road safety beyond typical coverage of crashes.

Mr. Tonyemevor identified speeding as a major risk factor for road crashes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Other significant factors include drink driving and helmet use. He noted that seat belts and helmets can reduce death chances by 40% and serious injuries by 70%.

He mentioned that driving at low speeds allows for shorter stopping distances, especially in urban areas. The safe system approach is essential for effective road safety management.

He explained that stopping distance includes both reaction time and braking distance.

Mr. Kingsley Wireko, Road Injury Surveillance Coordinator in Kumasi, reported pedestrian deaths have been highest since 2018. In 2023, pedestrians accounted for 84 deaths, which is 61% of total fatalities.

He noted that cyclist deaths have remained low since 2018. Since 2020, males have made up over 60% of pedestrian fatalities.

Pedestrian fatalities are notably high among children aged 0-9 and adults aged 30-49 years old. Most pedestrian deaths occurred between 8 PM and 10 PM.

Cars and pickups were involved in 47% of pedestrian fatalities, with collisions causing an additional 16%.