Ghana’s driving schools have begun incorporating pothole navigation into regular driving course programmes.
This is a major intervention by the Government, and is aimed at ensuring driver learners receive adequate training on using the nation’s roads, most of which are hole-infested.
Ghana’s road decadence is nationwide, and drivers are forced to master the art of meticulous manoeuvre or fit new shock absorbers every week.
Raphael Kwan, the Minister for Transport said the government’s resolve to finding a lasting solution to the country’s road situation should be felt most strongly with the new initiative.
He therefore appealed to various stakeholders to support the initiative.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep traffic safe and uninterrupted across the country, and this is one of the most salient innovations yet. When we all get skilled in driving over potholes, the roads will feel better,” he said.
Dwayne Driverson, President of the National Driver Schools Union, welcomed the new direction and said injecting skills in pothole driving into course streams should better prepare drivers for the road.
According to him, road accidents and other traffic situations caused by potholes will be well minimised with the rollout of the new courses.
“We need to bring onboard these courses looking at the nature of Ghana’s roads. Even expressways have deep holes which constantly endanger lives. And so, since the Government seems to not be able to address the situation anytime soon, it is most prudent to sharpen the driving skills of the populace,” he said.
Driver learners and licence applicants will now be tested on their knowledge of pothole driving, and courses include practical training on streets and highways.
The new policy was rolled out last week, and major driving schools across the country already updated their courses.
“Driver learners should find the training courses more interesting, and we expect them to make the most of it in building mental strength and agility on the road,” Mr. Driverson added.
Inspector John Roadright, Head of the Motor Traffic Department of the Police Service also commended the Government for the new intervention.
“Potholes are now part of road infrastructure and so adequate knowledge of their use will greatly enhance safety,” he said.
Road maintenance is expected to become a thing of the past, while the nation saves billions spent annually maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure.
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