An Assessment of Road Traffic Accident in Zaria Urban Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed road traffic accident along Pz/Samaru route Zaria Kaduna state. The study was conducted using the accident statistics from the Federal Road Safety Commission 2010 to 2013 and field observations. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in table and percentages. The study revealed that 2013 recorded the highest number of road accidents of which 15% of the accidents across the sampled year occurred at aviation junction and 15.8% occurred in the month of October. Among the causes of the road traffic accidents in the study area are over speeding representing 23.3% been the highest, followed by loss of control 16.7%. the study indicated that the month of march recorded the highest accident fatality with 52.2% and that in most of the accidents there are no traffic management measures except few with traffic warders which despite their presence, accident has being on the increase in the study area. The study concluded by calling the attention of the stakeholders on the need to ensure safe urban travel with some recommendations which among them are channelization of roads junctions, construction of speed bumps, strict enforcement of road traffic laws and public awareness on road safety measures.

KEYWORDS: Road Traffic Accident, Fatality, Road Control Measures and Urban Zaria