Managing accidents on our highways – Overtaking lane perspective

The management of accidents on highways is a critical issue, as it is a phenomenon that cannot be entirely eradicated.

This is because the interaction between human operators and machinery (vehicles) inherently involves a degree of error that is unavoidable.

However, this interaction can be effectively managed to minimise both the outcomes and impacts of such errors.

It is evident that the predominance of single-lane road architecture in our highway infrastructure significantly contributes to the incidence of road accidents.

Statistical data indicate that fatalities and injuries are more prevalent on intercity roads compared to intracity routes.

In Ghana, the construction of major highways is mostly primarily financed through loans and grants from international institutions, imposing intrinsic limitations on the size and length of our road infrastructure.

Therefore, even though there have been calls for the development of dual-lane highways to connect cities and towns, financial constraints have hindered the realisation of this objective. Consequently, the construction of single-lane highways is likely to persist.

Nevertheless, this should not preclude the implementation of measures to manage accidents on our highways.

Overtaking lane

One proposed solution is incorporating overtaking lanes at designated intervals along these highways. An overtaking lane can be described as a portion of the highway that provides a specified stretch of additional lane(s) to enable convenient overtaking of slow-moving vehicles.

The number, length and placement of these lanes should be determined based on traffic volume, distance and the types of vehicles that frequently utilise the roads.

Similar to the road signages that alert motorists as they approach filling stations, curves, slopes etc, signs indicating that one is approaching an overtaking lane can be installed at vantage points on the road.

These signs could also serve to caution drivers against the temptation to overtake prematurely, encouraging them to wait until they reach the designated overtaking lane.

Law enforcement

It is common knowledge in Ghana that while we have established regulations and laws, enforcement remains a significant challenge.

For starters, the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD) and the Police Highway Patrol must play a crucial role in this regard.

Additionally, the Road Safety Commission should be tasked with raising public awareness and enacting insurance policy regulations to attract substantial discounts or exclusions for accidents occurring outside of overtaking lanes can be part of enforcement and preventive strategies.

Furthermore, there exists a psychological dimension that, while difficult to quantify, is nonetheless significant.

Road signage

For example, a motorist travelling from Accra to Kumasi who encounters slow-moving traffic due to a heavily loaded articulated truck may experience reduced urgency to overtake if they are aware of an upcoming overtaking lane, either through prior experience or road signage.

This awareness or signage can diminish the impulse to overtake prematurely, thereby reducing the likelihood of human-machine errors.

As a nation, we have yet to fully assess the socioeconomic impact of road accidents. While financial costs are occasionally reported, the social consequences—often more profound and enduring—are rarely addressed.

The loss of hundreds of lives in numerous road accidents is, in my view, indicative of underdevelopment. Ghana must strive to alter this narrative.

Thoughtfully designed overtaking lanes could serve as a viable solution to enhance road safety.

The writer is a human behaviour research enthusiast.
Email: paattee@gmail.com