Media's Role in Road Safety: Journalists Empowered to Advocate Ahead of Elections

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and Cut International are calling on political parties to prioritize road safety in their policies as road fatalities spike during election years.

The Road Safety Political Parties Code offers strategies to integrate road safety into party platforms, addressing the increased risks associated with heightened travel and traffic law violations during these times.

David Adonteng, the Acting Director General of NRSA, highlighted the vital role of political parties in shaping road safety initiatives and urged politicians to use their influence to advocate for better infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between political entities and road safety stakeholders to ensure that road safety remains a key issue in political discussions.

Additionally, Adonteng called on the media to inform politicians about the Road Safety Political Parties Code as the 2024 elections approach.

Appiah Kusi Adomako Esq., Regional Director of CUT International, noted that a recent workshop aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge needed to effectively report on road safety and advocate for improvements in this area.

The workshop provided journalists with essential tools and insights to cover road safety issues more effectively; emphasizing the need for accurate reporting that can influence public opinion and policy decisions. By empowering the media, both organizations hope to create a more informed electorate that can hold politicians accountable for their commitments to road safety.

Adomako also stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between media professionals, political leaders, and road safety advocates. This collaboration can foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced on the roads and encourage the implementation of evidence-based policies that protect citizens.

As the 2024 elections draw nearer, both NRSA and Cut International are committed to ensuring that road safety is not just an afterthought but a central theme in political campaigns. By advocating for concrete actions and measurable outcomes, they aim to reduce the alarming trend of traffic-related fatalities and injuries during this critical period.

The call to action is clear: politicians must take a stand on road safety, and the media must play its role in amplifying these messages, ultimately contributing to safer roads for all.