Civic Ideals and Practices: Road Safety in Ghana

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering road safety definitions, institutions, signs, and challenges in the Ghanaian context as presented in Section 2 of the Social Studies lecture notes.

Road safety

The measures and strategies that are taken to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the roads.

National Road Safety Authority (NRSA)

The lead agency for road safety management in Ghana under the Ministry of Transport, established by Act $993$ of $2019$.

Sustainable mobility

The use of transportation systems and modes that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable, such as cycling and walking.

$$2,276$$

The number of persons killed in road accidents in Ghana in the year $2023$ according to the NRSA.

Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD)

A department of the Police Service responsible for enforcing road traffic laws and regulations and inspecting vehicles.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)

An institution that ensures proper licensing and vehicle standards to keep roads safe.

Ghana Highways Authority

The body responsible for the administration, control, development, and maintenance of national highways.

Department of Feeder Roads

The institution responsible for the provision and maintenance of feeder roads to enable movement for goods and services.

Department of Urban Roads

The agency responsible for planning, fixing, and managing roads within city systems.

Bloom Safety Campaign

A campaign launched in June $2023$ to promote the use of helmets while riding bicycles and motorcycles.

Stay Alive Ghana Campaign

An initiative encouraging motorists to drive within speed limits, wear seat belts, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

Arrive Alive Campaign

A campaign focused on reducing road traffic fatalities by emphasizing pedestrian crossings and speed limits.

Accra Bicycle Network

An initiative by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to create dedicated bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic.

Red road signs

Signs indicating situations where a road user must stop or yield, including stop signs and do not enter signs.

Green road signs

Directional signs used for street names, exit signs, mile markers, and showing distance to specific places.

Blue road signs

Signs displaying services for travellers, such as rest areas, hospitals, hotels, fuel stations, and restaurants.

Yellow road signs

General warning signs that indicate potential dangers or changing road conditions ahead, like narrow bridges or curves.

Orange road signs

Temporary signs relating to road work, maintenance warnings, and temporary traffic control.

Black and White road signs

Signs that provide motorists with specific regulations and laws governing the use of a road.

Regulatory signs

Traffic signs that regulate traffic by giving directions that must be obeyed, reinforcing traffic laws.

Warning signs

Signs designed to warn road users of hazards or dangers ahead so they can slow down.

Marker signs

Signs designed on the road to provide information about routes, junctions, and lanes.

Zebra crossings

Pedestrian lanes with marked paths where people can walk across a street or road safely.

Stop lines

Line markings indicating the position beyond which vehicles should not proceed when required to stop at intersections.

Edge lines

Linear markings used to define road boundaries and prevent vehicles from straying off the road.

Institutional Challenges

Obstacles to road safety including lack of clear direction among agencies and poor resource allocation.

Executional Challenges

Challenges such as lack of political will, inadequate staff knowledge, and lack of funds to carry out projects.

Managerial and Operational Challenges

Issues arising from poor road construction, poor maintenance, faded signs, or non-working traffic lights.

Attitudinal and Behavioural Challenges

Negative attitudes of road users including wrong overtaking, excessive speeding, and the practice of bribery.