Spatial and Temporal Perspective on Road Traffic Accident Variations in Lagos Mainland, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

The research work uncovered the fact that the problem of road traffic accidents in Lagos Mainland more often than not occurs due to irresponsibility shown by road users and failure of the designated authorities and organizations to carry out their responsibilities. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was employed in the examination of the statistical significance of the variation in the categories/degree (fatal, serious, minor) of accidents. Again analysis of variance technique was employed in the examination of the statistical significance of variance in the degree of accident over time (1998-2007) in Lagos Mainland. The result shows that there is a significant difference in the degree of accident overtime in Lagos Mainland. The study used mostly secondary Data, accident records and vehicular situation which was obtained from Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Commission. The data was obtained for a period of ten (10) years. The need for re-orientation of the land use pattern in the study area, better road network characteristics, Government should set up more police patrols for the highways in order to enforce road traffic regulation including speed limits and the need to establish Federal Road Safety Corps archive where accident records will be kept, collated and processed are desirable.

Keywords: Lagos Mainland; traffic; Road, accident, variations