Sirens and hazard lights misuse amounts to lawlessness

A clear example of how Ghanaian politicians, and their cronies as well as security companies, are showing total disregard for law and order, is the misuse of sirens and hazards lights on our roads. Sadly, we just watch on.

Despite repeated warnings and promises of crackdowns from authorities, the incessant blaring of these devices continues to disrupt the flow of traffic, endanger lives, and erode public trust in law enforcement’s ability to maintain order.

The abuse of sirens and hazard lights, once confined to a handful of offenders, has now become a widespread phenomenon, transcending social and professional boundaries. From government officials and security personnel to private citizens as well as commercial drivers, the temptation to circumvent traffic rules and gain an unfair advantage has proven too alluring for many to resist. Prominent among the offenders are bank bullion vans and private security agencies, whose drivers frequently employ these devices to bypass congestion, even when not responding to emergencies.

Shockingly, even some police officers have been caught misusing sirens and hazard lights when not attending to any urgent calls or emergencies – often with only the driver present in the vehicle. This blatant disregard for the rules they are meant to uphold has further eroded public confidence in law enforcement’s commitment to traffic safety.

In the bustling streets of Accra, the cacophony of sirens has become an all-too-familiar soundtrack, punctuating the daily commute with a jarring reminder of the disregard for law and order that permeates the city’s roadways. Motorists, emboldened by a perceived sense of impunity, weave through traffic with reckless abandon, disregarding the safety of pedestrians and fellow drivers alike.

The consequences of this lawless behaviour are far-reaching and severe. Beyond the immediate risks of accidents and injuries, the constant disruption of traffic flow has exacerbated congestion, leading to lost productivity, increased air pollution, and heightened levels of frustration among commuters.

“The misuse of sirens and hazard lights is not just a traffic violation; it is a symptom of a deeper societal malaise,” says Dr. Kwasi Agyemang, a renowned transportation expert and vocal critic of the practice. “It reflects a pervasive disregard for the rule of law and a breakdown of civic responsibility. When individuals feel empowered to flout regulations without consequence, it undermines the very fabric of our society,” he added.

Dr. Agyemang’s sentiment is echoed by road safety advocates who have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this lawless behaviour. “Every time I hear a siren blaring, my heart sinks,” says Ama Osei, a veteran advocate for road safety. “It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a potential tragedy waiting to happen. When drivers become desensitized to the sound of sirens, they may fail to yield to genuine emergency vehicles, putting lives at risk.”

The issue has sparked heated debates and calls for action from various quarters of society. Religious leaders have condemned the practice as a moral failing, while legal experts have criticized the lack of enforcement and the apparent impunity enjoyed by some offenders.

“The misuse of sirens and hazard lights is a clear violation of traffic laws, yet we see little to no consequences for those who engage in this behaviour,” says Michael Lord Youri, a prominent Ghanaian lawyer. “This sends a dangerous message that the law is malleable and that some individuals are above its reach. It undermines the very foundations of our legal system and erodes public trust in the institutions meant to uphold it.”

Despite repeated promises from law enforcement to crack down on offenders, the problem persists, fueling public frustration and cynicism. Critics argue that the lack of consistent and visible enforcement has emboldened violators, creating a culture of impunity that is difficult to reverse.

“The issue here is not a lack of laws or regulations; it’s a lack of political will to enforce them,” asserts Francis Kokutse, a veteran journalist who has extensively covered the issue. “We’ve seen countless warnings and promises of crackdowns, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged. Until there are real consequences for those who abuse these privileges, the problem will continue to fester.”

“As someone who has been reporting on this issue for decades, the lack of meaningful progress is deeply frustrating,” Mr. Kokutse laments. “Time and again, we’ve seen authorities trot out the same tired rhetoric about cracking down on violators, only for those words to ring hollow in the face of inaction.”

The seasoned Journalist recalls past instances where high-profile announcements were made about impounding vehicles and revoking licenses of offenders. “There was a brief period where we saw some enforcement activity, but it was short-lived and ultimately fizzled out. The moment the spotlight shifted elsewhere; it was back to business as usual on the roads.”

With a weary sigh, he adds, “The sad truth is that this issue has become a political hot potato, with no one willing to take real ownership and see through substantive reforms. There seems to be a culture of impunity for those with connections or influence, further eroding public trust in the system.”

Mr. Kokutse’s frustration stems not only from the lack of progress but also from the consequences he has witnessed firsthand. “I’ve been to accident scenes where the wailing sirens added to the chaos and confusion, potentially hindering emergency response efforts. I’ve spoken to families devastated by the loss of loved ones in senseless accidents caused by reckless drivers emboldened by their perceived right to flout traffic rules.”

Despite the grim realities, the veteran Journalist remains cautiously optimistic that change is possible, albeit contingent on a shift in political will and societal attitudes. “There have been instances in our history where sustained public pressure and activism have forced the hand of authorities to take action on long-neglected issues. Perhaps this could be the catalyst that finally compels our leaders to prioritize the safety of citizens over the privileges of the few.”

However, there are glimmers of hope amidst the chaos, as exemplified by the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and some senior police officers. These officials have made a conscious effort to set a positive example by remaining in traffic rather than using sirens to maneuver their way out, even when not responding to emergencies. Their actions underscore the importance of upholding the principles of law and order, regardless of rank or position.

As the calls for action grow louder, authorities find themselves under increasing pressure to address the issue with urgency and resolve. Some have proposed stiffer penalties, including hefty fines and the potential revocation of driving privileges for repeat offenders. Others have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the system governing the issuance and monitoring of permits for the use of sirens and hazard lights.

However, experts warn that legal measures alone may not be enough to curb the problem. A deeper cultural shift is needed, one that emphasizes civic responsibility, respect for the law, and a collective commitment to public safety.

“We need to change the narrative around the use of sirens and hazard lights,” says Dr. Gloria Nutsugah, a leadership expert and advocate for social change. “These devices should be seen not as symbols of privilege or status, but as tools for emergency response and public safety. Until we shift the cultural mindset, no amount of legislation or enforcement will be truly effective.”

As the debate rages on, the incessant blaring of sirens serves as a jarring reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. It is a call to action, a clarion call for a renewed commitment to upholding the rule of law and prioritizing public safety over personal expediency.

For the ordinary Ghanaian, caught in the crossfire of this ongoing battle, the hope remains that decisive action will be taken to restore order and sanctity to the roads. Until then, the deafening disregard for law and order will continue to echo through the streets, a haunting reminder of the work that remains to be done.

By Innocent Samuel Appiah

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