Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, a governance expert, has called for the regulation in the use of the three-wheeler vehicle popularly known as ‘Aboboyaa’, in the country.
Speaking on the rising concerns on whether to ban its use, he indicated that although it has various negative effect, its positive side is also beneficial to the country. So, he will suggest a regulation of its use rather.
“As far as the ‘Aboboyaas’ and the motors and four-wheel drives compete,;there is going to be some form of accidents on our roads and as such, they will have to regulate its use.
“So, I am for its regulation and I am against banning. Because in our part of the world,;it is also serving as a good means of passing of goods from either the hinterlands or farms to the main cities or even connecting people to and from remote areas to the cities or adjoining areas. I am for the regulation,;so we should move towards regulating ‘Aboboyaas’ and further regulating motors as well.”
Dr. Oduro Osae
Dr. Osae revealed that when these tricycles are being used in other countries, they are mostly used in hinterlands and country sides and not on main roads with larger vehicles.He however lamented its abuse in the country.
“It has been abused and it has been overused in our country. You will be driving on the main road and the ‘Aboboyaa’ crosses you without even observing simple driving regulations by,;let’s say, showing their tail light and all of that.”
His comments come on the back of calls for the three-wheel vehicle to be banned due to the distraction and accidents they cause on our roads.
There should be road distinctions
Touching on whether they were designed for road usage or farming purposes, Dr. Osae indicated that regardless of its purpose,;there should be a distinction between three wheeled and four-wheel vehicles on our roads.
He averred that some areas have demarcated pathways for these tricycles in their jurisdictions and as such same must be considered in the cities to help avoid unfortunate incidents on our roads.
“I think like it is done in these villages; we can have space in the cities for these tricycles as part of the construction plans.”
Dr. Oduro Osae
Dr. Osae also called for a conversation on it to help tackle the issue heads-on and as well propose solutions to help ease certain issues in that regard.
“We should not wait for it to get out of hand before we regulate it. The problem is not with the construction of the vehicle. The vehicle has been constructed according to specifications and the thing is that, it will be used for certain remote reason.”
Dr. Oduro Osae
‘Aboboyaa’ challenges due to lack of training
He further posited that a challenge in using the three-wheeled vehicle is the manner in which the drivers use them due to lack of training.
“We have not taken the conscious effort as a country to train them. Driving and using ‘Aboboyaa’ is different from driving a vehicle and it’s also different from driving a motor cycle.”
Dr. Oduro Osae
Competing with vehicles on highways and in urban areas he disclosed, is another major challenge with the use of the ‘Aboboyaa’s’.
“We should allow them to ply within remote areas where the traffic is less. They should operate away from the main towns where they will be carriers of goods from the hinterlands to the main cities. That can help but using them on the road is the main problem.”
Dr. Oduro Osae
He further called for measures to help tackle all the ‘Aboboyaa’ related issues in mostly the urban areas in the country.
