ASSESSING ROAD ACCIDENTS (CRASHES) AND PREVENTION
- Road Traffic Crashes or Accidents are among the leading causes of death and injuries in Nigeria and globally.
- According to FRSC (Federal Road Safety Commission), NBS (National Bureau of Statistics) and WHO (World Health Organization) reports, millions of lives and billions of naira are lost annually globally, with a higher percentage happening in the developing Countries, including Nigeria..
- Assessment and Prevention require understanding the causes, human behavior, vehicle condition, and road environment.
Major Causes of Road Accident:
1.Human Factors (≈ 80–90% of cases)
- Over-speeding – most common cause; drivers ignore limits and road conditions.
- Dangerous overtaking – especially among commercial drivers and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Driving under the influence – alcohol, drugs, or fatigue impairs judgment.
- Distraction – using mobile phones, eating, or talking while driving.
- Lack of or Inadequate Driver Education and Training – many Drivers lack professional driving instruction thereby making them safety risks on the roads.
- Impatience and poor road culture – disregard for road rules, traffic signs, and other road users.
- Mechanical Factors (Vehicle-Related Factors)
- Poor vehicle maintenance (faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, defective lights).
- Use of old, unroadworthy vehicles, especially commercial buses, and Trucks.
- Overloading of passengers or goods leading to loss of control and high fatalities.
- Environmental Factors
- Bad roads with potholes, poor drainage, or absence of road markings.
- Inadequate signage, lighting, and lack of pedestrian crossings.
- Poor traffic management and inadequate enforcement of road laws.
- Weather conditions like night, rain or fog reduce visibility and traction.
Effects of Road Accidents or Crashes:
- Loss of lives and permanent injuries – widows, orphans, and disabled victims.
- Economic loss – medical expenses, damage to vehicles, loss of workforce.
- Psychological trauma for survivors and families.
- National productivity decline – due to death of Professionals, Drivers, and Breadwinners.
- Burden on healthcare system – hospitals overloaded with accident victims.
- Reduction of GDP.
Strategies for Road Accident Prevention:
- Human-Centered Interventions
- Driver education and re-training:
- Establish more standard Driving Schools nationwide
- Standardization and Fortification of the Driving Schools Computer – Based Tests and the VIO’s Pre – License Tests
- Patronage of the Institute of Driving Instructors of Nigeria for professional training.
- Conduct regular defensive driving courses and road safety seminars.
- Public awareness campaigns:
- Media, Schools, and Communities should promote road safety culture.
- Enforcement of traffic laws:
- FRSC, VIO, Police and State Traffic Management Agencies must enforce speed limits, seatbelt use, and vehicle inspections.
- Zero tolerance for drunk driving – use of breathalyzers and strict penalties.
- Discourage use of phones while driving through public education and fines.
- Vehicle Safety Measures
- Regular vehicle inspection and roadworthiness certification.
- Mandatory use of seatbelts and child restraints.
- Promotion of modern vehicles with safety features (ABS, Airbags, Stability Control).
- Ban on importation and use of old, unsafe vehicles.
- Road Infrastructure Improvement
- Repair and dualization of major highways.
- Provision of speed-calming measures – bumps, rumble strips, reflective markings.
- Adequate road signs, lighting, and pedestrian walkways.
- Proper traffic engineering and urban planning.
- Adequate deployment of appropriate Technology on the roads to control speed, lane management, reckless driving and other violations
- Institutional and Policy Measures
- Strengthen coordination between FRSC, FERMA, VIO, State Traffic Management Agencies, Transport Unions, and other key players.
- Introduce data-driven accident analysis to identify high-risk zones (“black spots”).
- Implement road safety education in schools.
- Encourage public-private partnerships in road safety campaigns.
Technology and Innovation in Accident Prevention
- Use of speed limiters in commercial vehicles.
- Dash cameras and CCTV monitoring on highways.
- GPS tracking for fleet management and driver behavior monitoring.
- Emergency response systems (FRSC toll-free line: 122 and 112).
- Digital accident reporting and data analysis for quick intervention.
Role of Stakeholders
- Government: policy, funding, infrastructure, and enforcement.
- FRSC: public enlightenment, enforcement, and emergency rescue.
- VIO: pre – license testing and vehicle roadworthiness checks
- Driving Schools: Impactful Learner Driver Training and Proficiency re – training programs for experienced Drivers
- Drivers and Vehicle Owners: compliance and maintenance.
- State Traffic Management Agencies: Traffic Control and traffic law enforcement
- Media: public education and advocacy.
- Civil Society Organizations & NGOs: Awareness and victim support.
- Institutions like the Institute of Driving Instructors of Nigeria (I-DIN): promoting professionalism among Driving Instructors and Drivers.
Conclusion
- Road safety is a shared responsibility.
- Reducing accidents requires discipline, education, enforcement, and empathy.
- With proper training, technology, and accountability, Countries can drastically cut down accident rates and save millions of lives.
Website:
Best Driver Competition website
https://drivingandsafety.com/best-driver-in-nigeria-competition/
Phone Number
080332163376
Head Office Address:
212 Lagos Rd, beside Agric/BRT Bus Stop, Ikorodu, 104001, Lagos