The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has taken swift action to address recent public concerns regarding the service quality and road safety standards of 2M Express Limited, particularly on the Accra-Kumasi route.
Following a series of complaints and reports of road traffic crashes involving the company’s vehicles, the NRSA has engaged the management of 2M Express Limited to implement enhanced safety measures aimed at reducing accidents and improving passenger safety.
In a statement issued by the Authority, it was revealed that 2M Express Limited is introducing new safety protocols, including drug testing for drivers as part of pre-trip operational checks.
This measure is expected to enhance safety controls and ensure that only fit and responsible drivers operate the company’s fleet.
“While the Authority commends 2M Express Limited for this proactive anti-drug use measure and calls on other transport operators to emulate it, the Authority directs that 2M Express Limited should… ensure that all drivers use manual logbooks to help enforce speed limits and compliance with rules on maximum driving hours to reduce the risk of driver fatigue.”
National Road Safety Authority (NRSA)
The NRSA also called on 2M Express to fully implement the Regulation on Pre-Trip Operational Inspections, as outlined in the National Road Safety Regulations, 2022 (L.I.2468).
This measure is intended to ensure that all vehicles meet minimum operational standards before embarking on any trip.
By conducting thorough inspections, the company can identify and address potential mechanical issues, enhancing passenger safety and preventing avoidable breakdowns or accidents.
Additionally, 2M Express is required to maintain accurate records of these inspections to facilitate monitoring and compliance with safety regulations.
To enhance drivers’ ability to assess risks and respond effectively to hazards, 2M Express Limited is required to implement regular refresher road safety training.
This initiative aims to reinforce safe driving practices, improve hazard awareness, and equip drivers with the necessary skills to react appropriately in high-risk situations, ultimately reducing accidents.
The NRSA emphasized that these measures are not only vital for ensuring safety within 2M Express but also play a critical role in improving overall road safety standards across the transport sector.
Ongoing Monitoring and Sanctions
Furthermore, to enforce strict adherence to these directives, the NRSA announced plans to conduct periodic and unannounced inspections of 2M Express Limited’s operations.
These inspections will assess the company’s compliance with the prescribed safety measures, including driver logbook usage, pre-trip operational checks, and refresher training programs.
The NRSA emphasized that any failure to comply with these regulations will attract appropriate sanctions, which may include fines, operational restrictions, or other disciplinary actions.
By implementing these oversight measures, the Authority aims to enhance accountability and ensure sustained improvements in road safety standards within the transport sector.
“The Authority remains committed to working collaboratively with all transport operators to implement and enforce service quality standards and guidelines to reduce the risk of road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths.”
National Road Safety Authority (NRSA)
The move by the NRSA comes in response to increasing concerns over road safety in Ghana, particularly the high rate of accidents involving long-distance transport operators.
2M Express Limited, which operates one of the largest fleets on the Accra-Kumasi route, has faced growing scrutiny in recent months due to several reported crashes.
Transport safety analysts have long advocated for stricter regulations to govern the operations of commercial transport companies, citing reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue as key contributors to road traffic accidents.
While many have welcomed the NRSA’s intervention, others argue that more needs to be done to ensure a long-term solution to Ghana’s road safety crisis.
Road transport remains a vital component of the country’s economy, and any measures to improve its safety standards are crucial.
As the NRSA continues its monitoring and enforcement, the focus remains on ensuring that transport operators comply with the highest safety standards to protect the lives of passengers and road users.
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