Introduction
Death, they say, is inevitable. Thus, one cannot determine when he or she will die. Everyone knows he or she will die but does not know when. Death can occur to anyone at any time and anywhere, due to many causes, such as by nature, accidents through cars or motorcycles, curses, and so on. There are some of these causes that are avoidable if care is taken. This article will look at motorbike accidents as a leading cause of death in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Motorbike Riding in the Upper East Region
The people of the Upper East region are dominated by motorbikes as a private means of transport. This has made the major towns and cities crowded with motorbikes, especially on market days or event grounds such as funerals and parties. The crowding of motorbikes in these areas sometimes leads to accidents and deaths at the end of such events. Our people often say, “Use death to bury the dead,” which means people getting into fatal accidents and dying in the end, in their quest to accompany a family or friend to mourn their dead person. This has become alarming and will need serious attention and sensitization.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Upper East Region
Overspeeding: Some motorcycle riders often need to catch up to wherever they are going for whatever reason, no one can tell. But there is this mindset that they often want to show off their newly acquired motorbike or their riding prowess. Sometimes too, the Galamsey boys (often called’siteboys`) ride speedily to attract attention and declare their presence of arriving from the mining, insinuating they are now rich. These and many other unknown reasons have led to many accidents across the cities and towns, claiming the lives of innocent people. In fact, the advice nowadays in the region is that, even if the rider is not riding carelessly, you must be watchful to avoid a careless rider crashing you to death.
Disobedience to road signs: Due to the small-like nature of a motorbike, riders often swerve and pass through unauthorized routes or crossroads anyhow. Some even flout traffic regulations in their quest to move to wherever they are going. This most often leads to motorcycle crashes, which sometimes claim the lives of innocent people.
Drunk-riding and drug Abuse: are other reasons for the surge in motorbike accidents in the region. The youth nowadays often like to attend late evening events such as nightclubs and pubs. In these times, they may get drunk yet want to ride home, which may lead to them crashing into other motorists. Apart from drunkenness, the intake of hard drugs and drug abuse among the youth also contribute to the motorbike accidents encountered in the region.
Conclusion
The stated causes, together with other unstated reasons, make the movement in and out of the region, especially the cities and towns, dangerous to pedestrians because they may lose their lives due to the careless riding of a motorist.
Stakeholders are encouraged to regulate the riding of motors within the region and sensitize society to the menace. This will help reduce the accidents many people encounter, especially through motorcycle riding, which sometimes leads to death.