Cape coast: The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has cautioned drivers against using drugs and other energy enhancement substances while driving. Assistant Narcotics Control Officer (ANCO) Andrew Garshong, Cape Coast Metropolitan NACOC Enforcement Head, stated that these substances are harmful and could put drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk of accidents.
According to Ghana News Agency, this warning was issued during a joint enforcement and safety education event held at Beposo along the Takoradi-Cape Coast N1 highway. The event was organized by the Western Region Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in collaboration with their Central Region counterparts, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and NACOC.
ANCO Garshong highlighted, "Some of the drivers go about mixing energy drinks, drinking alcohol, and all sorts of substances to boost their energy, but those things put all road users at risk so they should desist from such acts."
Mr. Victor Kojo Bilson, the Western Regional Head of the NRSA, expressed concern over the increasing rate of road traffic crashes, labeling them as a national security concern. He emphasized the need to intensify educational and enforcement mechanisms to help reverse this trend, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
Mr. Bilson advised drivers to avoid excessive speeding, overloading, wrongful overtaking, and driving while tired. He also urged regular vehicle maintenance as a measure to ensure safe travels, especially during the festive season.
Mr. Eric B. Owusu, a Technician Engineer at the Takoradi DVLA Office, reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles meet approved roadworthy standards and to keep their licenses and other documentation up to date.