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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Human factor and road traffic accidents in Kaduna State: a need for driver education |
Author: | Ogunjumo, Ajibade |
Year: | 1995 |
Periodical: | The Nigerian Geographical Journal |
Volume: | 2 |
Pages: | 81-94 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | traffic offences traffic accidents |
Abstract: | Road accident rates have been on the increase in Nigeria in the recent past. Analysis of data on the number of vehicles involved in road traffic accidents in Kaduna State from 1981 to 1986 indicates that a large proportion of the vehicles involved in accidents during this period were privately owned, omni and kombi commercial buses, or taxis. Accidents were most often caused by excessive speed and driver recklessness and negligence, rarely by mechanical defects. The generally low level of education of many of the drivers and the fact that they received their driver's training in private lessons cast doubt on the seriousness of the driving tests which have to be passed to obtain a licence. Analysis of data on the role of law enforcement agents shows a decline in the proportion of road traffic accident cases prosecuted, convicted, or acquitted, while the proportion of persons awaiting trial and those under investigation increased and remained large. These findings indicate gross inadequacy in the judicial system in a situation where speedy investigation and trial would help deter would-be offenders. Proper training and retraining of drivers, rigorous and thorough testing procedures, enforcement of the driving rules and regulations, and extensive research on road safety are amongst the measures the author suggests in order to address the situation. Bibliogr., sum. (Also published in: Savanna, vol. 14, no. 2 (1993), p. 138-148.) |