The recently released National Road Traffic Crashes and Casualties report for the festive period revealed that a total of 37 individuals lost their lives in road crashes between December 24, 2023, and January 1, 2024. The data indicates a notable 21.28% decrease compared to the 47 deaths recorded during the same period in 2022.
Of the reported fatalities, 29 occurred between December 24 and December 26, 2023, with an additional eight deaths recorded on December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024.
The distribution of road traffic fatalities by gender showed that 30 males (81%) and seven females (19%) lost their lives. Furthermore, 19% of the deceased were below 18 years, and 81% were adults above 18 years.
During this period, 236 cases were reported, involving 417 vehicles and 50 pedestrian knockdowns. Comparing the reported cases for the 2023 Christmas festivities to those of 2022, there has been a 16.26% increase, with 203 cases reported in 2022.
Private vehicles constituted the largest proportion of vehicles involved in crashes, accounting for 46%, followed by commercial vehicles at 31%, and motorcycles with the least proportion at 23%.
The Greater Accra Region reported the highest number of crashes at 83, resulting in nine deaths, while the Ashanti Region recorded 66 cases with nine deaths.
Specific locations in the Greater Accra Region where fatalities occurred include Kaneshie, Kpeshie, Madina, Odorkor, Weija, Baatsona, Ayimensah, and Amanfrom.