An Analytical Review of Reckless Driving in Ghana: Causes, Consequences and Regulatory Responses

Reckless driving remains a major contributor to road traffic injuries and fatalities in Ghana, posing significant public health and development challenges. This systematic review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to examine the multidimensional determinants of reckless driving, its socio-economic and health consequences and global best practices for sustainable reform. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the safe systems approach (SSsA), the study integrates behavioural, institutional, infrastructural and economic perspectives. The findings indicate that speeding, dangerous overtaking, weak enforcement credibility, commercial transport incentive structures and inadequate road design collectively sustain high crash rates. Ghana records thousands of road traffic fatalities annually, with substantial productivity losses and economic costs estimated at 3%-5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, bear a disproportionate burden of fatalities. Comparative evidence from countries implementing comprehensive Safe Systems reforms demonstrates that sustained reductions in road deaths are achievable through integrated enforcement, infrastructure redesign, licensing modernization and institutional strengthening. The review concludes that reckless driving in Ghana is preventable through coordinated, evidence-based policy action and long-term governance commitment aligned with national development goals.