Ghana loses an estimated $250 million annually to road
accidents with more 1,600 deaths, mainly as a result of driver error.
Three approaches have been proven to be most effective
in curbing the menace – education and training of new drivers as well as refreshers
for older drivers; enforcement of traffic laws and thorough testing of new
drivers; and regular inspection of vehicles for a “warrant of fitness”,
including the use of seatbelts.
The establishment of the K-Poly Prudential Drivers’
Academy is to offer qualitative training and education using modern Driver
Simulator in addition to classroom teaching and on-road practice.
Rector of Kumasi Poly, Prof. Nicholas Nsowah Nuamah,
says the Academy will the use latest technologies to deliver innovations in the
road safety industry.
“Our driver education and management systems employ a
range of training strategies that are supported by current research findings in
the areas of bio-mechanics, human movement and driving psychology,” he said.
The Academy targets students of the Polytechnic,
corporate organizations, private and commercial drivers and other relevant
groups in the road transport sector.
The partnership also includes services in fleet and
facilities management, tourism, aviation and transport management.
Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Solutions, Marcus
Obeng-Sika says the collaboration provides a win-win situation for both
institutions.“We formed this partnership to provide the needed skill sets within the transport and tourism industry, using the latest technologies and educational tools,” he said. “We know about the carnage on our roads; we’re losing so much as a country in terms of monetary values and human resource; so the best way of tackling it is by using the right technologies to impart the right knowledge and skills so that we can influence attitudinal change”.
Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh
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