DRIVERS AND VEHICLE OWNERS SENSITIZED

10-12-09 DRIVERS AND VEHICLE OWNERS SENSITIZED
Over 200 commercial drivers and vehicle owners drawn from the various districts of the Upper East Region have participated in a workshop on Insurance and Compensation Fund for vehicle owners and drivers at Bolgatanga. The workshop which was jointly organized by the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the National Road Safety Commission with support from other stakeholders was aimed at educating motorists on the urgent need to insure their motor bikes and vehicles and also acquire valid driving license. Addressing participants, the Legal Director, NIC, Mrs. Emma Ocran, advised drivers to register for the life insurance policy as well as the motor insurance policy which, according to her is compulsory since it protects motorists in times of accident. She outlined some of the benefits of insurance and its impacts on the country’s economy. Mrs. Ocran who entreated participants to carry the message across, expressed her outfit’s preparedness to address the need and challenges of drivers as far as insurance is concerned. The Upper East Road Safety Manager, Mr. Alexander Ayata, cautioned drivers to acquire driving license from the Drivers Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to prevent police arrest. He said about 90 per cent of the 102 road accidents involving132 Vehicles in the region, was caused by avoidable human error and advised passengers to caution drivers when they drive carelessly or disobey traffic rules. He disclosed that the region has so far recorded 45 deaths with 113 sustaining various degrees of injuries as a result of road accidents. He described the situation as unfortunate and charged motorists to wear seat belts and crash helmets to ensure their safety on the road. Mr. Ayata also took the opportunity to introduce new crash helmets and warning triangles to drivers. Participants during an open forum expressed their concerns as far as insurance claims are concerned.
GBC END IA/