The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned commercial drivers against refueling vehicles with passengers onboard.The Authority said such a practice endangered the lives of passengers as they were exposed to harmful chemicals.Speaking at the NPA Central Regional sensitization durbar in Cape Coast, the Central Regional Manager of the NPA, Mr.
Michael Opoku-Obiri, said one of the primary risks associated with refueling is the inhalation of toxic fumes.He explained that gasoline contains harmful chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen.
These fumes can easily enter vehicles through open windows or doors, exposing passengers-especially children and the elderly-to health risks such as nausea, dizziness, and respiratory issues.He noted that despite the open, well-ventilated nature of most fuel stations, drivers often overlook the dangers of trapped fumes inside vehicles.Many drivers routinely stop at gas stations without asking passengers to exit the vehicle.
Whether rushing to drop kids at school, heading to work, or running errands, refueling with passengers inside the car is a common practice.However, this seemingly harmless habit has serious safety implications, with the most significant danger being the risk of fire.From January to July 2023, Ghana recorded 3,819 fire incidents across various sectors, with commercial and fuel-related fires being major contributors.