Staying Alert on the Road in Ghana
Being alert means being aware of what is happening around you, anticipating hazards, and understanding the behaviour of other road users. Young or inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. Take extra care, stay calm, and avoid overconfidence.
Drive safely, not for image or speed. Defensive driving prevents accidents before they happen.
Key Alertness Practices for Ghanaian Roads
Effective alertness involves both physical awareness and mental preparation:
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Vision & Anticipation
- Always look 10–12 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards
- Check mirrors every 5–8 seconds
- Scan intersections thoroughly before entering
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists in blind spots
- Look twice at junctions (windscreen pillars may obscure small road users)
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Avoiding Distractions
- No mobile phone use while driving (Regulation 107 of LI 2180)
- Avoid loud music or arguments in vehicle
- Don't stare at accidents on the road
- Minimize conversations with passengers
- Set navigation before driving
- Never eat or drink while driving
Setting Up Your Vehicle Properly
Before driving in Ghana, ensure your vehicle is correctly adjusted for safety and comfort:
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Mirrors Setup
- Clean and slightly convex for better visibility
- Adjusted to just see the side of your vehicle
- Rear-view mirror should show full rear window
- Use anti-dazzle function at night
- Check blind spots before every maneuver
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Seat & Controls
- Adjust for comfort and back support on Ghana's roads
- Correct distance from steering wheel (airbag safety)
- Headrest positioned to prevent whiplash
- Know where all controls are located
- Connect phone via Bluetooth before driving
Proper setup reduces fatigue and improves reaction time. Take 2 minutes to adjust before every journey on Ghana's roads.
Observing Road Markings and Signs in Ghana
Pay attention to road markings as they indicate what is allowed and where hazards are.
Signs give advance warning of hazards such as roundabouts, sharp bends, narrow bridges, hidden dips, and pedestrian crossings common on Ghanaian roads.
- Anticipate traffic lights: If green for a long time, be ready to stop. If red for long, prepare to move smoothly
- Look twice at junctions: Your windscreen pillars may obscure smaller road users like cyclists or pedestrians
- Observe pavement markings: They indicate lane discipline, no-overtaking zones, and pedestrian crossings
- Watch for animals: Especially on rural roads outside major towns
- Note construction signs: Common during roadworks and development projects
Safe Maneuvers on Ghanaian Roads
Moving Off Safely
- Check all mirrors and blind spots (especially for motorbikes)
- Signal if necessary to alert other road users
- Ensure clear path before moving
- Be aware of pedestrians crossing unexpectedly
U-turns & Three-point Turns
- Only where permitted by signs (check local regulations)
- Check both directions thoroughly for approaching traffic
- Ensure sufficient road width (consider Ghana's varied road sizes)
- Use three-point turns on narrow roads common in residential areas
- Watch for pedestrians and street vendors
Overtaking Safely in Ghana
MINIMUM CLEAR VISIBILITY NEEDED
100m
Clear visibility needed ahead before overtaking
- Only overtake when safe and you can see clearly at least 100m ahead
- Never overtake on: curves, bends, blind corners, or narrow bridges
- Always check your nearside mirror before returning to your lane
- Use indicators well in advance to signal your intention
- Be patient behind slow-moving vehicles (trucks, trotros)
- Consider oncoming traffic speed on single carriageways
⚠️ Important: Give cyclists, motorcyclists, and scooters plenty of room when overtaking. Consider their vulnerability and slipstream effects. Minimum 1.5m clearance required by Ghana's road safety guidelines.
Braking & Reversing Techniques
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Braking Techniques
- Check mirrors before braking to avoid surprising other road users
- Heavy vehicles: Use service brakes, engine brakes, or retarders on long descents (common on Ghana's hilly roads)
- Avoid coasting; maintain brake pressure and control
- Brake progressively, not suddenly (especially important on dusty or wet roads)
- Allow extra stopping distance during Harmattan season
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Reversing Safely
- Walk around vehicle if visibility is poor (common with SUVs and trucks)
- Remove seatbelt temporarily if necessary to see clearly
- Give way to pedestrians at all times (they may be close in market areas)
- Do not reverse into main roads (illegal and dangerous)
- Use a spotter if available, especially in crowded areas
- Watch for children playing behind vehicles in residential areas
Always check blind spots before changing lanes, overtaking, or moving off. The "shoulder check" can prevent accidents with motorcycles and cyclists common on Ghana's roads.
Visibility and Night Driving in Ghana
Proper Light Usage
- Turn on dipped headlights in poor visibility or at dusk (common practice in Ghana)
- Use rear fog lights only in thick fog (rare but important during harmattan)
- Dip headlights when overtaking or if dazzled by oncoming vehicles
- Motorcycles: Use daytime running lights or dipped headlights in poor conditions
- Keep all vehicle lights clean and functional (especially important on dusty roads)
- Watch for pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night
- Reduce speed at night as visibility decreases significantly
Position your vehicle to be visible; adjust mirrors and use reflective clothing when riding a motorbike. Many Ghanaian roads have poor street lighting.
Following Other Vehicles Safely
- Maintain a safe distance to see past large vehicles ahead (common with trucks and buses)
- If a large vehicle is tailgating you, increase your following distance from the vehicle in front
- Be patient around learner drivers; give extra space and time
- Use the 3-second rule in good conditions, increase to 4+ seconds in rain
- Increase following distance behind commercial vehicles (trotros may stop suddenly)
- Watch for brake lights several vehicles ahead to anticipate slowing traffic
Fatigue, Health and Concentration
Long journeys and poor sleep significantly increase accident risk on Ghana's roads. Fatigue impairs reaction time similar to alcohol.
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Fatigue Management
- Plan regular rest breaks: Every 2 hours or 200km
- Take a 10–15 minute rest if feeling sleepy
- Recognize fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyes, lane drifting, missing exits
- Avoid driving during natural sleep hours (2-5am)
- Share driving duties on long journeys if possible
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Health & Fitness
- Ensure you meet Ghana Licensing Authority vision requirements
- Wear glasses or contact lenses if prescribed
- Check if medications affect driving ability
- Maintain physical fitness for better reaction time
- Stay hydrated during Ghana's hot climate
- Manage stress to avoid aggressive driving in traffic
Eat slow-digesting meals, stay hydrated, and ensure physical comfort to maintain focus. Dehydration increases fatigue, especially in Ghana's tropical climate.
Route Planning for Ghanaian Roads
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Smart Journey Planning
- Plan your route and alternatives before starting your journey
- Avoid rush hours when possible to reduce stress (Accra: 7-9am, 4-7pm)
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions (important during rainy season)
- Allow extra time for unexpected delays (common with traffic and roadworks)
- Know rest stop locations along your route
- Consider toll routes vs. free roads for time management
- Check for festival or event traffic in specific areas
- Have emergency contacts and breakdown service numbers ready
Summary (Quick Revision)
👁️ Stay alert and anticipate hazards 10–12 seconds ahead
🪞 Set up mirrors, seat, and controls properly before driving
🚦 Observe road markings, signs, and traffic ahead on Ghanaian roads
🔄 Plan manoeuvres carefully; always check blind spots for motorcycles
🛑 Brake safely, using correct techniques for your vehicle type
🌙 Adjust visibility and lights according to conditions (poor street lighting common)
🚗 Maintain safe following distances (3-second rule minimum)
😴 Take regular rest breaks and avoid fatigue on long journeys
❤️ Monitor health, vision, and medication effects
🗺️ Plan routes in advance and avoid peak traffic when possible
📵 Avoid ALL distractions – especially mobile phones (Regulation 107)
🛡️ Drive defensively, not aggressively or for image
⚠️ Be extra cautious with vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles)
🌧️ Adjust driving for weather conditions (rain, harmattan, dust)
🎯 Remember: Your safety and the safety of others depends on your alertness and good driving practices on Ghana's roads.
