By Nelly Gay Ofori (UNIMAC-GIJ Email: nellyofori17@gmail.com)
The Lapaz Road, a main roadway in the suburb of Lapaz in Accra-Ghana. The highway is particularly hazardous for pedestrians and has resulted in a number of fatalities over the years. The construction of the road, drivers’ disregard for zebra crossings, inadequate zebra crossing, reckless driving by cars and motorists, inadequate footbridges and its less usage by pedestrians have all contributed to it becoming a death trap. The road connects various settlements and is a major transit route in the area.
Every time they had to cross the road, commuters who utilize the route frequently describe their terrifying ordeal. Given the volume of traffic on the road and the pace at which most cars travel, they clarify that crossing the busy road is not just a matter of doing so but rather a risky adventure.
Even though the traffic lights are red, pedestrians are constantly rushing to cross the street because some automobiles and drivers disobey traffic light regulations. When the traffic lights turn green, drivers always race to get on their high-speed vehicles, forcing pedestrians to run or cross the street quickly in order to escape being ran over or murdered by negligent motorists and drivers.
One of the deadliest roads in the nation is the one in Lapaz. Since quite some time, there have been numerous reports of pedestrian deaths. The road construction, drivers’ disdain for zebra crossings, insufficient zebra crossings, and inadequate footbridges are all blamed for these fatalities. Other causes include reckless driving and overspeeding.
The insufficient footbridges and zebra crossings on the road, which force pedestrians to cross at their own risk, were bemoaned by the pedestrians interviewed. They also emphasized the fact that the few available crossing are frequently obstructed by vehicles or traders, making it even more challenging for pedestrians to pass. Little has been done to control the current situation.
Many campaigns have been started to increase awareness of pedestrian safety, safe driving, and road safety in order to lower the incidence of accidents on the nation’s roadways. Such actions, however, won’t be sufficient to eliminate the persistent risks that pedestrians face on the nation’s highways. To prevent any accidents, the government must collaborate with the police to make sure that both drivers and pedestrians act responsibly.
Lapaz Road is still a pedestrian death trap in its current state, so immediate action is needed to make it a safer area for all users.
