Every year, hundreds of Ghanaians leave home and never return, not because of war or disease, but because of something far more preventable; road accidents. And while potholes and poor infrastructure are often blamed for the preventable deaths, the truth is far more uncomfortable. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), over 90% of road crashes in Ghana are caused by human error, making the steering wheel not just a tool but a responsibility.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service echoes this sad reality. In the Western Region alone, they reported that between 90% and 94% of road accidents stem from driver behavior, not mechanical failure or road conditions. In just five months, 52 lives were lost in that region alone—lives that could have been saved if drivers had made safer choices.
The statistics were supported by Road Safety expert Nene Williams, we confirmed that human errors lead to 90% of accidents in Ghana.
So what exactly should drivers be doing differently? According to the Ghana Driver’s Guide, the first step is preparation. Before any journey, especially long ones drivers are urged to check road conditions, weather forecasts, and vehicle readiness. A simple tire pressure check or brake test could be the difference between life and death.
But preparation is only the beginning. The NRSA warns that speeding remains the deadliest habit on Ghana’s roads. “If you want to fly, go to the Civil Aviation Authority. Roads are not runways,” said Acting Director General David Osafo Adonteng in a statement cited by Modern Ghana, which has since gone viral. Speed limits exist for a reason, and ignoring them is not just illegal, it’s lethal.
Distraction is another silent killer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. In Ghana, where mobile phone use is widespread, this statistic should be a wake-up call. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel—always.
And then there’s drunk driving—a deadly cocktail of poor judgment and impaired reflexes. According to the NRSA, alcohol-impaired driving is responsible for up to 10% of road crashes in Ghana. Despite this, Ghana still operates with a legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%, one of the highest in the world. Experts and safety advocates are now calling for a reduction to 0.05%, a move backed by international research and supported by CUTS Ghana.
To combat this, the NRSA and MTTD launched targeted campaigns, especially during festive seasons when drunk driving spikes. In March 2024, they deployed officers to transport terminals and highways to conduct random alcohol tests and educate drivers. In the Bono Region, breathalyzer machines were introduced to screen drivers before departure, part of a broader crackdown on reckless behavior on crash-prone highways, according to the Ghana News Agency.
Seatbelts, often dismissed as uncomfortable or unnecessary by most drivers, are proven lifesavers. The National Road Safety Commission notes that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death for front-seat passengers by 45%. Yet many drivers and passengers still ignore this basic safety measure.
Fatigue is another underestimated threat. The NRSA advises that drivers rest after every 8 hours or 500 kilometers of travel. Long-distance commercial drivers are even required to have two drivers per bus. These aren’t suggestions—they’re laws designed to protect everyone on the road. And then there’s attitude. Defensive driving, anticipating danger, staying calm under pressure, and respecting other road users can prevent countless tragedies. As AutoLast Ghana explains, defensive drivers are less likely to tailgate, speed, or make risky overtakes. They’re also more likely to get home safely.
The bottom line? Ghana’s road safety crisis is not just a government issue; it’s a personal one. Every driver has the power to save lives simply by making better choices. The statistics are clear. The solutions are known. What’s missing is the will to change. Until we treat every journey like it could be our last, the carnage will continue. But if we do, if we slow down, stay alert, and drive with care, then maybe, just maybe, we can turn the tide . Because the most powerful safety device in any vehicle isn’t the airbag or the ABS brakes. It’s the person behind the wheel.
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