Reimagining Road Safety: Leveraging Technology to Combat Road Fatalities in Ghana

Abstract

The paper investigates factors that could explain why improved police visibility, surface improvements on roads, and enhanced public education on road safety have failed to reduce accident fatalities in Ghana. This paper delves into the underlying factors contributing to the inefficacy of traditional safety measures and proposes a paradigm shift towards technology-driven solutions. Through a thorough analysis of the efficacy of existing strategies and insights gleaned from empirical research and data, this study offers novel recommendations to mitigate the alarming trend of road accidents in Ghana. The implications of this paper are discussed in an effort to inform policymakers and provide insight into how this issue can be addressed more efficiently. Primary data from field observation of 400 vehicles, semi-structured interviews with 25 police officers and drivers on duty, and secondary data from publications, including journal articles and credible online sources, constituted the basis for this study. The study findings reveal a systematic failure where road safety is compromised for personal gain, with both drivers and law enforcement officials implicated in perpetuating hazardous practices. Specifically, the study identifies financial incentives driving police negligence and drivers’ disregard for traffic regulations fuelled by a culture of bribery. In light of these findings, we advocate for adopting technology-driven surveillance systems, such as CCTV cameras, as a cornerstone of an effective road safety strategy. Technological interventions offer a promising pathway to curb road traffic fatalities in Ghana by eliminating human discretion and mitigating corruption opportunities.