Project Abstract

Abstract
Road accidents in Nigeria have become a major public health concern due to the high number of fatalities and injuries they cause annually. This study aimed to investigate the causes of road accidents in Nigeria to provide insights for effective preventive measures. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, including a review of existing literature, analysis of road accident data, and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings revealed that several factors contribute to road accidents in Nigeria. These include human factors such as driver error, reckless driving behaviors, fatigue, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as poor road conditions, lack of road signage, and inadequate lighting, were also identified as significant contributors to road accidents. In addition, vehicle-related factors like mechanical faults, overloading, and lack of maintenance were found to play a role in the occurrence of accidents. Furthermore, the study highlighted the role of institutional factors in road accidents, including ineffective enforcement of traffic laws, corruption among law enforcement agencies, and lack of emergency response mechanisms. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, inadequate public transportation systems, and limited access to driver education programs were also identified as underlying causes of road accidents in Nigeria. The research also examined the impact of road accidents on individuals, families, and the economy. It was revealed that road accidents result in loss of lives, disabilities, and psychological trauma for victims and their families. The economic cost of road accidents in terms of medical expenses, property damage, and loss of productivity was found to be substantial, further underscoring the need for preventive measures. Based on the study findings, several recommendations were proposed to address the causes of road accidents in Nigeria. These include improving road infrastructure, enhancing driver education and training programs, enforcing traffic laws more effectively, and promoting a culture of road safety among road users. Strengthening emergency response systems and enhancing collaboration among relevant stakeholders were also highlighted as crucial steps towards reducing the incidence of road accidents in Nigeria. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex factors that contribute to road accidents in Nigeria and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to effectively address this public health challenge.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 ROAD ACCIDENT

Road transport is a critical structure for economic development of a country. It influences the pace, structure and pattern of development. Nigeria has one of the largest road network in Africa. However, Road safety is an issue of national concern. Surge in population and motorization in the country along with expansion of road network contributes to the number of road accidents, injuries and fatalities. Road accidents create negative impact on the economy, public health and the general welfare of the people. Road accidents are human tragedy involving tremendous human suffering in terms of premature deaths, injuries and loss of productivity, etc. It is heartening that for the first time in two consecutive years, i.e. 2012 and 2013, there was decline in number of road accidents, the number of persons killed and the number of persons injured in road accidents.

Road Accidents, deaths and injuries which occur each year need not happen. Significant reduction in accident rates is possible only by a wide variety of improvements in design of vehicles, operating environment and infrastructure, and enforcement of safety regulations and standards. The current issue includes various dimensions and magnitude of road accidents in India and brings into focus the challenges relating to the prevention of road accidents and their impact. The data and analysis on road accidents contained in this volume would help to create awareness and assist in decision making in the area of road safety. I hope, the document would be useful for policy makers, academia, citizens, and civil society organizations working In areas that have an influence on road safety.

An accident, also known as an unintentional injury, is an undesirable incidental and unplanned event that could have been prevented had circumstances leading up to the accident been recognized, and acted upon, prior to its occurrence. Most scientists who study unintentional injury avoid using the term "accident" and focus on factors that increase risk of severe injury and that reduce injury incidence and severity (Robertson, 2015). It is well known that traffic accidents are of high importance to the public health spectrum in the world. Moreover, in developing countries such as Nigeria, the mortality rates from road traffic accidents are rather high compared to other countries in this region. Media reports reveal that Nigeria's road accidents is very high, compared to other developing countries. In 2001, Nigeria was rated as the second highest road traffic accident prone nation among six West African countries, with 73 deaths per 1000 accidents. (Sarpong, 2011)