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A Spatiotemporal Analysis of the incidence of Road Traffic Accidents Along

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International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume VIII, Issue IX, September 2021|ISSN 2321-2705

A Spatiotemporal Analysis of the incidence of Road

Traffic Accidents Along Lagos/ Abeokuta
Expressway
Olasunkanmi O. Olasokan, Ebenezer O. Toki
Registry Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: There is generally an increase incidence of morbidity population density varies in rural and urban settlement.
and mortality rates of road traffic accidents across the world, but (Approximately 51.7% and 48.3% respectively) which
majority of the morbidity occur in developing countries, this translate to a population-road ratio of 860 persons per square
research is therefore aimed at carrying out a spatiotemporal kilometres which indicate an intense traffic pressure on the
analysis of incidence of road traffic accident along Lagos/
available road network. This pressure contributes to the high
Abeokuta Expressway, to enable the researcher identify
prominent accident spots on the road, identifying accident road traffic accidents in the country (FRSC, 2012).
prevalent time in order to analyse if relationship exist between Road traffic accidents occurrence is attributed to vehicular
location, time and prevalent of traffic accident. For the purpose collision, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary
of this research, statistical records were consulted and
questionnaire design and randomly distributed to commuters at
obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole (Jacob, 2010). Road
some notable bus stops. The retrieved questionnaire was traffic accident, therefore, is an issue of great global concern
analysed and formulated hypotheses were tested using regression as it emerges as the single greatest source of death all over the
statistical tool. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that world. Number of accident relating to motor vehicle is much
human, mechanical and environmental characteristics are the lower in developing countries than developed countries, while
salient factors that are responsible for road traffic crashes in the fatalities from automobile crashes are higher. It has been
study area, the research therefore recommend a total shown, for instance, that road traffic accidents in developing
enforcement of traffic rules and regulation to correct erring countries cost almost one per cent of the country’s annual
drivers and the Government and affected institutions should take Gross National Product (GNP) (Akpoghomeh, 1998).
the issue of road construction and maintenance more seriously,
and in the event of road construction proper diversion and Nigeria continues to feature in the bottom half of the World
traffic sign should be put in place. Health Organization country rankings of road traffic
Keywords: Road Traffic Accident, Commuters, Spatiotemporal accidents. The country is the 149th ranking in 2009 out of 178
member states indicates the hazards associated with road
I. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY transportation in a country that is largely dependent on its
road network for economic, social and physical activities.
O ver the years, there have been dramatic changes in
human behaviour especially with the wave of
globalization, modernization, and information communication
Worldwide, road traffic accidents lead to death and disability
as well as financial cost to both society and the individual
technology (ICT) which tries to bridge the gap between involved. There is a generally an increased incidence of
people and cultures. However, this has influenced the extent morbidity and mortality rates resulting from road traffic
to which people commute from one place to another. The need accidents. Road traffic accidents injures commuter every day
for vehicular and human movement has created serious safety in developing country like Nigeria (Ovwori et.al 2010).
and risks concerns by the government, the motorist, the public The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was
and the general society especially in Nigeria as a result of established in 1988, with the aim of advocating, educating,
crash injuries and damages arising from transport behaviour. identifying road-users' risk induced behaviours and
Nigeria, with a total land area of 910,771 square kilometres punishment for road traffic offences (FRSC, 2007). The
and the human population of about 167 million, is the most commissioning was as a result of the incessant increase in the
populous country in Africa, and the 7th most populous nation trend of road accident on the Nigerian roads and highways.
in the world (Uzuegbu, 2016). Onuoha and Akinyemi (2012) affirm that several strategies
Its large land mass and burgeoning population correlate with have been used and are still being used by the FRSC public
its high level of a vehicular population estimated at over 7.6 education officers to educate road users in general and drivers
million with a total road length of about 194,000 kilometres in particular on the rules guiding road usage and the
(comprising 34, 120 km federal, 30,500 Km, State and consequences of flagrant disobedience of traffic rules and
129,580 km of local roads). Nigeria ranks second among regulations. These strategies as identified by Sani (2005)
countries with largest road network in Africa in 2011. The comprise the organization of workshop/ seminars/ lectures and

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International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume VIII, Issue IX, September 2021|ISSN 2321-2705

drivers' improvement courses, carrying out rallies at motor H 1: Relationship exist between location, time and prevalent
parks, literacy campaigns by inculcating in the road users the of traffic accident
knowledge of the highway traffic code, playing of jingles on
1.6 Scope of the study
radios and televisions among others.
The scope of this study will be limited to Lagos-Abeokuta
1.2 Statement of the problem
Expressway, being a busy road prominent for gridlock and
The recurring of auto accidents on Nigeria roads appears to traffic accident. The review approach is aimed to provide a
have defied solution in spite of the concerted efforts of the comprehensive overview of the spatial and temporal analysis
FRSC and other stakeholders at reducing the trend. of the incidence of a road traffic accident on the route,
Researches also reveals the Government and the people are identifying prominent areas known for a road traffic accident
greatly concerned about the incessant increase in road traffic in order to analyse the causes and prevalent time of the
accidents which results in unnecessary consequential waste of accident on the road.
lives and properties. A lot of funds are equally wasted yearly
1.7 Significance of the study
in an effort to reduce the trends of road traffic accident on
Nigeria roads and highways. For instance, Idoko (2010) This study will be of immense benefit to many people,
submits that Nigeria loses three billion naira every year to organizations and government. It will be of immense benefit
road crashes and that road crashes cost Nigeria 13 per cent of to the commuters of Ogun State and Lagos state respectively,
her Gross National Product (GNP). This loss invariably as the outcome of the research will contribute to their
inhibits the economic and social development of the nation. knowledge on the factors responsible for the regular
occurrence of an accident on the Lagos- Abeokuta
1.3 Aim and Objectives
Expressway, the road is notable for potholes thereby causing
This research, therefore, aims to carry out a spatiotemporal constant traffic jams and accidents. The major part of the road
analysis of the incidence of road traffic accidents on Lagos/ over the years has degenerated to a death trap which therefore
Abeokuta Expressway, to achieve the above aim, below are necessitated researchers and government attention. The
the objectives: recommendations from the research will help to curtail the
frequent occurrence of an accident on the road. The research
i. To identify prominent accident spots in the study area.
will also contribute positively to the existing literature,
ii. To examine accident prevalent time and types.
constituting a new platform on which to evaluate the
iii. To analyze the relationship that exists between
hypotheses that travel time, road and location are major issues
location, time and prevalent of a traffic accident.
of road accident on the route. Most importantly, it avoids the
iv. In the light of (1-3) above to recommend preventive
biases created by a disaggregate analysis by comparing travel
measures or steps that can be taken to curtail the
behaviours across entire urbanized areas. The government
menace.
would as well benefit from the study as it will seek effective
1.4 Research questions ways of curtailing the regular account of the accident on the
axis as some of the recommendations in the research.
i. Where are the prominent accident spots in the study
area? 1.8 The Study Area
ii. What relationship exists between time and type of Transportation is one of the most important aspects of Lagos
accident prevalent? that drives its business strength but unfortunately, the state of
the roads is pitiable. The Lagos-Abeokuta expressway is a
iii. Does relationship exist between location, time and
road that links Lagos and Ogun states and serves as a
prevalent of a traffic accident?
commercial route. The close proximity between the two states
iv. What are different measures or steps that can be enhances trade and interaction between the states. Therefore,
taken to curtail the menace? the road is always hectic almost round the clock due to the
transportation of goods and passengers. Traffic officers are
1.5 Statement of the research hypotheses stationed at strategic locations on the road to ensure free flow
These hypotheses are statements drawn from the specific of vehicular movement, but impatient of the commercial
objectives of the study to test if the statements are true at a motorcyclist otherwise called Okada riders attempt to beat
particular level of significance. traffic officers at any given opportunity, which may
sometimes be catastrophic, meanwhile conductors too call
H 0: No relationship that exists between time and type of their destination by the road side in order to cut cost they
accident prevalent. incur while loading passengers at the park, in that case some
H 1: Relationship exists between time and type of accident touts working for the National Union of Road Transport
prevalent. Workers (NURTW) chase the commercial bus (Danfo) drivers
picking passengers on the road, in order to collect their dues,
H 0: No relationship exists between location, time and in an attempt to evade the payment dangerous driving often
prevalent of traffic accident

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occur which may sometimes result to road traffic accident. where rainfall intensity, wind speed, roadway terrain, driver's
The road is notable for traffic at different points which has gender, and safety belt were found to be statistically
been a nightmare to the motorist; the traffic in this axis will significant. Their study also found that the seasonal factor was
soon give way with the Akinwunmi Ambode-led significant in clear weather. The seasonal factor is a predictor
administration's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which will suggesting that inclement weather may affect crash severity.
commute between Abule-Egba and Oshodi. The passengers These findings can be used to determine the probabilities of
estimate on the corridor is about 230,000 per day, which may single-vehicle crash severity in rainy weather and provide
likely go up to 300,000. The most terrible portions of the road quantitative support on improving road weather safety via
are Dopemu under bridge diversion, Ile-Epo/Oja, Abule-Egba, weather warning systems, highway facility improvements, and
Kola and Tollgate junction. The traffic situation in these areas speed limit management.
is always at a standstill, leaving police and traffic control
The causes of road traffic accidents depend on a list of factors
officials helpless. From Oshodi to Ikeja, the traffic is always
which can be broadly divided into:
in three batches: Oshodi under-bridge to Ladipo, Shogunle to
PWD and Airport bus stop to Ikeja, such that the journey of a) Vehicle operator or driver factors
fewer than 10 minutes lasts for an hour, thereby resulting in b) Vehicle factors
unnecessary over speeding at any possible traffic escape, c) Road pavement condition factors
which may sometimes result in road traffic accident. d) Environmental factors.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW A road traffic accident can be caused by a single factor or a
combination of these factors. Most safety studies come to the
A logistic regression model was developed by James and Kim
conclusion that vehicle operator or driver factors (or human
(1991), who describes the use of child safety seat for children
error) are the main cause of accidents. Nevertheless, such a
involved in auto crashes in Hawaii from 1986 through 1991.
conclusion has not proved to be efficient in its capacity to
The model shows that children riding in an automobile are
offer adequate means to fight against this error. In a purpose
less likely to be restrained, while drivers who uses seat belt
of better qualifying accident causation, TRACE, Traffic
are far more likely to restrain their children, and one-and-two-
Accident Causation in Europe, after conducting substantive
year olds are less likely to be restrained. The study of Yannis
research works on Human Functional Failures (HFF) in a road
et al. (2005) and Al-Ghamdi (2002) which was conducted in
accident which is defined as the failures of the human
Greece and Saudi Arabia, respectively, takes the combined
functions which usually allow the road user to adapt to the
effects of factors which includes age on different respondents.
difficulties of the driving task. It further described the HFF as
The former tackles on combined effects of driver and
the consequence of a gap between the requirements of a task
motorcycle dependent factors on two response variables
and the capacities of an operator to face it, this gap resulting
namely accident severity and at-fault risk. It reveals engine
from the combined influence, and mostly inseparable, of the
size and age a significant combined effect of both variables in
internal conditions characterizing this operator and external
respect of accident on accidents.
conditions to which he is confronted in the realization of his
An assessment was carried out to ascertain the effect of activity.
rainfall on the severity of single-vehicle crashes on Wisconsin
2.2. Vehicle operator or Driver factors
highway conducted by Soyoung et al (2009), utilizing
polychotomous response model. The weather related factors Driver factors in road traffic accidents are all factors related to
examined in the research includes estimated rainfall intensity drivers and other road users. However, unlike the findings of
for 15 minutes before the occurrence of crashes, water film TRACE, in Nigeria, studies and road traffic accident records
depth, the wind speed/ direction, temperature, the stopping have clearly shown that the attitude of the Nigerian driver to
sight distance and deficiency of car-following distance at the driving code and etiquette is the single most important
crash moment. For areas with unavailability of weather contributing factor as driver factors solely contributes to about
information, data interpolation was adopted, using the inverse 57 per cent of road traffic accidents and 93 per cent either
squared distance method. alone or in combination with other factors.
Non-weather variables such as road geometrics, traffic 2.2.1 Driver-related issues include:
conditions, collision types, vehicle types, and driver and
temporal attributes were also deliberated upon. Two types of I. Speed and indiscriminate use of Sirens
polychotomous response models were analysed: ordinal An increase in average speed is directly related both to the
logistic and sequential logistic regressions. The sequential likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the
logistic regression was tested with forwarding and backward consequences of the crash. Travelling too fast for prevailing
formats. Comparative models were also established for single- conditions or above the speed limit contributes to road traffic
vehicle crash severity during clear weather. In conclusion, the accidents. The risk of being injured increases exponentially
backward sequential logistic regression model produced the with speed much faster than the average speed. The severity
best results for predicting crash severities in the rainy season

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of an accident depends on the vehicle speed change at impact cause road traffic accidents. The reliability of the vehicle is
and transfer of kinetic energy. itself a function of the condition of the vehicle at every given
time. Vehicle components and vehicle maintenance are the
II. Drink–driving and use of drugs
two main conditions which affect vehicle factors as it relates
Drinking and driving increase both the risk of a traffic to causes of road traffic accidents.
accident and the likelihood that death or serious injury will
2.3.1. Vehicle Components
result. The risk of being involved in a traffic accident
increases significantly above a blood alcohol concentration The assembled components of a vehicle working effectively
(BAC). Doctors often advise patients to abstain from driving uniformly or abnormally as a unit will determine the
vehicles or operation of machinery while under certain drugs occurrence of a traffic accident.
as these drugs are known to cause side effects of sleepiness
I. Vehicle Design
and fatigue thus leading to the possible occurrence of an
accident. The specific maximum load designed for a vehicle in its entire
ramification goes a long way towards determining its stability
III. Distracted driving
on the road surface. When vehicles are subjected to stress over
There are many types of distractions that can lead to impaired and above the provisions of the design specifications as is the
driving, but recently there has been a marked increase around case of a lot of vehicles plying the Nigerian roads,
the world in the use of mobile phones by drivers that is deterioration for the condition of the vehicle in accelerated
becoming a growing concern for road safety. The distraction wear and tear sets in. Design defects affect the subsequent
caused by mobile phones can impair driving performance in a condition of the vehicle once it is put on the road and operated
number of ways, e.g. longer reaction times (notably braking either normally or otherwise which may result in possible road
reaction time, but also a reaction to traffic signals), impaired traffic accidents.
ability to keep in the correct lane, and shorter following
II. Vehicle Brake System
distances. Text messaging also results in considerably reduced
driving performance, with young drivers at a particular risk of Brakes are generally applied to rotating axles or wheels.
the effects of distraction resulting from this use. Drivers Vehicles use a combination of braking mechanisms which
works jointly with the accelerator as the main synchronizer of
using a mobile phone are approximately four times more
the speeds of vehicles. Any malfunctioning of the brake sub-
likely to be involved in a traffic accident than when a driver
system should be taken very seriously as a potential source of
does not use a phone.
an unavoidable accident.
IV. Inexperience and unqualified drivers
III. Vehicle Body and Tyres
Majority of Nigerian drivers do not possess the right
The firmness of the structure of a vehicle though less
authorization from government authorized agencies like the
prominent attributes to some measure in causing road traffic
Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC and are unqualified
accidents. One of the dominant factors in determining the
before driving cars on road pavements. This is the major
stability and safety of vehicles on the road is the tyres. Tyres
reason most Nigerian drivers are ignorant of highway traffic
designed and specified for cold regions are not those specified
signs. They put their lives and those of other road users at the
for temperate regions like Nigeria. However, this is not the
risk of traffic accidents.
case of most tyres used in Nigeria as vehicle owners do not
V. Non-use of safety device and negligence of duty by the take the specification of tyres into consideration when buying
government established agencies and fixing tyres unto their vehicles and this has been known to
cause tyre ruptures thus leading to traffic accidents.
Seat belts are safety device provided to safeguard a driver in
the course of an accident. The use of vehicle seatbelts also IV. Vehicle Lights
helps to ensure that the driver is in an upright and comfortable
The failure of vehicle light is a major factor in a road traffic
position thus enabling him/her to properly operate the vehicle.
accident. Failure of vehicle lights has a tendency to misinform
However, this provided safety device has been grossly abused
and mislead other road users thereby providing a good
thus increasing the risk of fatality among front-seat and of
opportunity for an accident to occur. Vehicle lights are very
rear-seat passengers.
useful at all times during the daylight, in darkness and in
2.3. Vehicle factors poor/bad weather. For example, a failed trafficator light of a
vehicle ahead will not normally provide the usual warning to
The vehicle itself is a key factor when analysing the remote
other vehicles behind that it is about to undertake a turning
causes of a traffic accident and it is incorporated with gadgets
manoeuvre and if for instance the driver of the vehicle behind
like the horn, side mirrors, wipers, braking system,
has not allowed for a sufficient stopping sight distance or the
trafficators, headlights and break-lights (to mention just a few)
vehicle has a faulty brake sub-system, this could result in an
so as to avoid road accident. Malfunction of any vehicle parts
accident occurring.
such as tyres, engines, braking systems, light systems can

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V. Vehicle Engine Oshodi is one of the most populated areas of Lagos State, with
major industries located in the LGA. The expressway is a
The powerhouse and heart of the vehicle is the engine sub-
major link to Tin can Island, where most companies involved
system which is responsible for bringing other parts of the
in oil distribution are located. The presence of these
vehicle into motion and one whose sudden failure on a
companies has kept Apapa, Mainland, Island and Eti-Osa ever
highway is more likely to cause an accident if the volume of
busy with commercial activities. Oil pipelines cut through
traffic is sufficiently high at that point in time. Even when the
many residential areas in Lagos State. Distribution of
traffic is reasonably low, mismanagement of the failure by an
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a major cause of deaths along
experienced driver could cause a road traffic accident.
Apapa/Mile 2/ Oshodi Expressway, has always been on-
VI. Vehicle Maintenance going. The volatility of such refined products makes it fatal
each time tankers have accidents. In May 2008, for instance,
Acquiring a well-designed vehicle and putting it unto the road an explosion occurred after a bulldozer hit an oil pipe and
use is not enough to prevent the vehicle from causing a road about 100 people were killed by fire, including many school
traffic accident. Actually not performing routine maintenance
children. Aside from oil companies, other protagonists, such
and checks on the vehicle can lead to deterioration of the
as government security agencies, have caused fatal road
vehicle sub-systems and thus expose the vehicle to causing
accidents in the state. In a bid to evade arrest, commercial bus
road traffic accident as a well-maintained vehicle is less likely
drivers cause fatal accidents. Policemen mount roadblocks
to be involved in accidents. that have caused several fatal road accidents. Approximately
2.4. Road pavement condition factors 54 people died in multiple road accidents caused by a police
checkpoint on Shangisha Bridge, between the Toll Gate and
The Nigerian highways are arguably one of the worst and Berger Bus Stop near Otedola Housing Estate in October
most dangerous in the world as they are often poorly 2010. However, the administration of Governor Fashola
designed, necessary important road facilities like drains are (2007–2015) has achieved reasonable success in the reduction
not adequately provided for and to top it up, they are rarely of road accidents in Lagos State. Lagos State Traffic
rehabilitated and are in dilapidated states. The deplorable Management Authority (LASTMA) was created to reduce
states of the Nigerian highways create a scenario that makes deaths, injuries, and economic losses from road accidents by
vehicles and other road users susceptible to road traffic employing modern traffic management techniques. The
accidents. This further confirms that road traffic accidents are agency is empowered, among other things, to relocate tankers
not just caused by human error or drivers' negligence. to industrial parks, impound tankers and cars parked
2.5. Environmental factors indiscriminately, and ensure strict compliance with safety
measures. Accidents have been reduced from 19% in 2008 to
Environmental related conditions such as fog, sunrays, mist 9% in 2009. It was further reduced to about 8% in 2013 and
and rain in no small measure contribute greatly to the rate of continues to show signs of a reduction over the years.
road traffic accident in Nigeria today. Having stated earlier
that most vehicles on Nigerian roads are poorly maintained, a
poorly maintained vehicle for example on a rainy day is most Figure 2.2: No. of Deaths by Local Govt. in
300 Lagos (2010-2016)
likely to cause road traffic accident if the wipers are faulty and 250
not functioning as the driver will be unable to see ahead. 200
2.6 Accident Incidence On Lagos Road 150
100
Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, recorded the highest number 50
of deaths from car accidents. Most lives were lost in the Ikeja 0
axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The strategic location
Badagry
Epe

Mushin

Lagos Mainland
Ojo

Eti-Osa

Alimosho
Kosofe

Surulere
Oshodi-Isolo

Apapa
Amuwo/Odofin

Shomolu

Ikeja
Ikorodu

Agege
Ibeju/ Lekki

Lagos Island
Ifako-Ijaye

Ajeromi-Ifelodun
of the area places it at the centre of fatal car accidents, with a
record of 266 car accident deaths. The significance of road
traffic accident along the study area also cannot be
overemphasized as the road is popularly known for its
commercial activities, as it is the road that links the popular
computer village and Oshodi respectively, meanwhile the road
is very narrow compared to the volume of vehicles fleeting Source: Federal Road Safety Corp
the road, particularly the construction activities currently 2.7 State of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway
going on, which is the construction of BRT corridor which
makes the road ever busy and blocked, overzealousness of the The Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway is deteriorating every day,
commercial bus drivers on the axis with the sole aim of things are getting terribly bad why the Government tends not
dropping off their passenger to quickly to embark on another to hear the anecdote of the commuters. Some sections of the
trip is also one of the major causes of accident on the road. road are terribly bad why some are fair, starting from Toll
Gate all the way to Ifo the road is in a terrible state. Toll Gate,

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Sango, Joju, Connoils/Singer, Owode, Ilogbo, and other areas learn more about a population without studying every single
have become a death trap. The part of the expressway from individual in the population. For the purpose of this type of
Toll Gate, going into Lagos, are still a little beat motorable research that involve selected few people transiting along the
when compared to the axis going into Ogun State. The axis axis, the simple random approach was adopted, where the
going into Lagos sometimes receives attention through some respondents were selected at various motor parks, therefore
patches due to the volume of commuters going into Lagos the sample population constitute 200 respondents.
during the peak period (Morning), which often get them
3.3 Research Instrumentation and administration
stranded, which often compel palliative measures to be done.
The government of Ogun state is heavily in debt, and most of Research instruments are tools used in obtaining, gathering,
the road projects they started are still uncompleted, which measuring or assessing information. The critical research
makes it difficult to maintain the road, which has to be the instrument which was used for this study is a questionnaire,
major cause of traffic deadlocks on the roads. The potholes on which was distributed to the sample population, aimed at
the highway are constantly widening, and the drainage system generating information from them based on the research
terribly bad which often result to flooding on the road when objective.
rain falls thereby causing a traffic jam, while motorist that is
The questionnaires were designed into 5 sections, A, B, C, D
not used to the road often falls into the death trap at night
and E. Section “A” of the questionnaire focused on the
which sometimes result to accident. This problem has lingered
for many years and nothing has been done. FERMA (Federal demographic information of the respondents, such as the
Road Maintenance Agency) that are saddled with the Gender of respondents, Age, marital status, qualifications,
occupation, marital status, monthly income and size of
responsibility of maintaining the road is nowhere to be found.
household. Meanwhile, section B focused on the travel
Motorists are often compelled to take a bike. The ordeal
behaviour of the respondents, and section C focus on
continues while the situation is not addressed, the government
transportation structure, section D focus on Accident related
doesn’t recognize the fact that those areas are heavily
populated, which makes it a nightmare for the motorist as they spots and section E focus on causes of a road traffic accident
all have to queue along the good portion of the road, If you go in order recommend possible solutions so as to curtail the
menace.
over those bad roads, prepare for aches all over your body and
take some balm or painkillers when you get home. The 3.4 Data Analysis Techniques
Federal Government neglect of the road is not painting the
country in good light as lives are usually wasted due to the The data collected was sorted out in order to identify the ones
terrible nature of the road. that were not correctly filled, that might cause incompetence
on the part of the researcher. The data analysis was based on
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY the questionnaire computed for the research work, as the
research questions were analyzed using statistical software,
3.1 Sources of Data
called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Both
In order to cater to the need of the research, the primary descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was utilized in
source of data (self-constructed structured questionnaire) was the study. The generated frequencies of the answered
the major source of data used for the research, the questions from the respondents will be presented in simple
questionnaire was constructed by the researcher aimed at percentages in a tabular form for easy interpretation.
providing answers to some of the research questions, the Afterwards, the earlier stated hypotheses were tested using
participants were asked to furnish information with regards to Regression analysis. In statistics, regression is used in
their gender, educational level, age, marital status, monthly estimating the relationships among variables which are
income, size of household and the purpose of respondents trip identified as an independent and dependent variable. It was
and some road traffic accident data was obtained from the found suitable for this kind of research work; where
Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC website) while some were respondents’ opinion is sought and evaluated. This sort to
obtained from FRSC office at toll gate bus- Stop along the investigate the spatial temporal analysis of the incidence of
study area, this was obtained to ascertain the specific area road traffic accidents on the Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway
with the highest prevalence of road traffic accident, with the between 2010 to 2017. The basic idea behind survey
aim of examining the causes of the accidents, examine the methodology is to measure variables by asking people
prevalent time of the accident on the road and also to analyse questions and then examine relationship among the variables,
if relationship exists between certain location, time and in order to draw conclusion from the generated responses of
prevalent of traffic accident in the study area, It also focused the respondents, thereby using the generated data to test the
on different suggestion and recommendation on preventive earlier stated hypothesis in order to validate it and decide if
measures or steps that can be taken to curtail the menace. the null hypothesis is to be accepted or forgone in order to go
for the alternative hypothesis.
3.2 Sampling Techniques
Statistical sampling technique is an important research tool for
a number of disciplines because it enables the researcher to

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IV. DATA PRESENTATION AND RESULT DISCUSSION Education level of Respondents

4.1 Data presentation Primary 6 10 5.0

This chapter is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive WASC 72 36.0

analysis of generated data, using Statistical Package for Social OND HND/ BSC 72 36.0
Sciences (SPSS) computing software through coding, Post Graduate/M.Sc. 46 23.0
computation and analysis, and information generated later
Total 200 100.0
presented in tabular form for easy interpretation. For the
purpose of this research, a research questionnaire was the Income level monthly
major tool of generating information’s from the respondents; Less than N50,000 57 28.5
since the sample population is relatively small, systematic
N 51,000 – 100,000 66 33.0
random sampling technique was adopted for fair
representation. A total of two hundred (200) questionnaires N 101,000-150,000 41 20.5
were administered, retrieved and scrutinized for the research. N 151,000 – 200,000 20 10.0

The analysis is divided into three categories, the first category N 201,000 – 250,000 7 3.5
contains the demographic characteristics of the participant, N 251,000 – 300,000 5 2.5
while the second category contains research questions aimed Over 300,000 4 2.0
at identifying the travel behaviour of the respondents, while
the third is prominent accident locations, prevalent time, Total 200 100.0
causes & prevention. Size of household

4.1.1 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents 1-5 people’s 48 24.0

6-10 people’s 121 60.5
Variable Frequency Percentage
11-15 people’s 31 15.5
Age of Respondents
Total 200 100.0
Below 18 years 8 4.0
Do you have your personal vehicles
18-25 Years 38 19.0
50 25.0 25.0
26-35 Years 42 21.0
150 75.0 75.0
36-45 Years 40 20.0
46-55 Years 38 19.0 Source: Fieldwork, 2018

above 55 years 34 17.0 The research reveals the age range of the respondents that
Total 200 100.0
makes up the sample population, 4% are below the age of 18
years, 19% are between 18-25 years, 21% are between 26-35
Sex of respondents years, 20% are between 36-45 years, 19% are between 46-55
Male 83 41.5 years while 17% are above 55 years respectively. The
Female 117 58.5 research, however, reveals the majority of the respondents are
between 26-35 years respectively. The research reveals the
Total 200 100.0
sex of the respondents, 41.5% are male while 58.5% are
Marital Status of Respondents female respectively, and the research thus reveals the majority
Single 75 37.5 of the respondents are female.
Married 82 41.0 The marital status of the respondents was also sampled, 37.5%
Divorced 38 19.0 are single, 41% are married, 19% are divorced while 2.5% is
widow/widower, and it thus reveals more of married
Widow/Widower 5 2.5
respondents. The research reveals the occupations of the
Total 200 100.0 respondents as 29% of them are into business, 34.5% are into
Occupation of Respondents trading, 30% are civil servant while 6.5% are into
Business 58 29.0
transportation business respectively. The education level of
the respondents are presented as follows, 5% primary 6, 36%
Trading 69 34.5 has obtained West African School Certificate, 36% has
Civil servant 60 30.0 obtained OND HND/ BSC while 23% has obtained
postgraduate/M.Sc certificate respectively. The income level
Transporter 13 6.5 of respondents are represented as follows 28.5% earn less than
Total 200 100.0 50,000, 33% earn between 51,000- 100,000, 20.5% earn
between 101,000-150,000, 10% earn between 151,000-

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200,000 3.5% earn between 201,000- 250,000, 2.5% earn car driver, 5% are Govt. driver, 5% are commercial
between 251,000- 300,000 while 2.5% earn above 300,000 motorcycle rider, while 3% are private motorcycle rider
respectively, the research however reveals majority of the respectively, it thus reveals a larger percentage of the
respondents earn between 51,000- 100,000 respectively. The participants are pedestrian. The research also reveals how
research reveals 24% of the respondent’s household size is frequently does the road user use the road, 6% said once a
between 1-5 peoples, 60.5% are between 6-10 people, while week, 9% said twice a week, 22% said more than twice a
15.5% are between 11-15 people respectively, the research week, while 63% said every day, the research, however,
thus reveals majority of the households are between 6-10 reveals the larger percentage of an everyday user of the road.
people. The research also reveals the percentage of those with The research also reveals the respondent's mode of travelling,
personal vehicle among the respondents, 25% of them have a 14.5% are on a motorcycle, 50% uses public transport, 8%
personal vehicle while 75% does not have a personal vehicle, uses a cab, while 27.5% uses a personal car, the research
and the research thus reveals the larger percentage of the reveals the larger percentage of respondents who uses public
respondents does not have a personal car. transport. The research also reveals the current state of the
road, 6.5% commended it is in a good state, 28% said it is fair
SECTION B
while 65.5% said it is in poor condition, the research,
4.1.2 Travel Behaviour Of Respondents however, reveals the road is in a dilapidated state. The
research reveals if government effort at reducing accident
Variable Frequency Percentage
worked, 33% said yes, while 67% said no, it thus reveals
Category of road user government effort at reducing road traffic accident on the
Commercial 63 31.5 study area has not effectively worked.
Pedestrian 65 32.5
SECTION C
Private Driver 46 23.0
4.1.3 Accident Location, Time, Causes & Prevention
Govt. Driver 10 5.0
Commercial motorcycle Variable Frequency Percentage
10 5.0
rider
Private motorcycle rider 6 3.0 Road traffic Accident location

Total 200 100.0 Yes 122 61.0

How Frequent do you use the road No 78 39.0
Once a week 12 6.0 Total 200 100.0
Twice a week 18 9.0 At what time of the day does the accident occur
More than twice a week 44 22.0 Morning 140 70.0
Everyday 126 63.0
Afternoon 12 6.0
Total 200 100.0
Evening 48 24.0
What is your mode of travelling
Total 200 100.0
Motorcycle 29 14.5
What is the severity of the accident?
Public transport 100 50.0
Cab 16 8.0 Minor 140 70.0

Personal car 55 27.5 Fatal 60 30.0

Total 200 100.0 Total 200 100.0
What is the state of the road What is the cause of road traffic accident?
Good 13 6.5
Fair 56 28.0 Weather conditions 3 1.5
Poor 131 65.5
Road conditions 66 33.0
Total 200 100.0
Light conditions 4 2.0
Has government effort at reducing accident worked
Wrong driving 55 27.5
Yes 66 33.0
Tiredness 4 2.0
No 134 67.0
Total 200 100.0 Frustration 14 7.0
Lack of proper training 20 10.0
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Drunkenness 34 17.0
The research also reveals the category of road user, 31.5% are
Total 200 100.0
commercial bus driver, 32.5% are pedestrian, 23% are private

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Seatbelts reduce the risk of injury Alakuko bus stop, which they attribute to a population density
Strongly Agree 77 38.5
of the area. However, some of the respondents attributed
some of the accident to the bad nature of the road coupled
Agree 100 50.0 with construction activities without proper diversion road
Undecided 15 7.5 traffic signs.
Disagree 5 2.5 The research also reveals the prevalent period of accident,
Strongly Disagree 3 1.5 70% said in the morning, 6% in the afternoon while 24% in
Total 200 100.0
the evening, the research reveals majority of the accident
occur in the morning during the peak period, the research also
I feel vulnerable when not wearing a seatbelt reveals the severity of the accident, 70% said minor while
Strongly Agree 92 46.0 30% said fatal, the research reveals majority of the accident
Agree 74 37.0 are usually minor accident, the research also reveals the
causes of the accident, 1.5% are attributed to weather
Undecided 13 6.5
condition, 33% to the bad state of the road, 2% attributed to
Disagree 9 4.5 light condition, 27.5% attributed to wrong driving, 2% to
Strongly Disagree 12 6.0 tiredness, 7% attributed frustration, 10% attributed to lack of
Total 200 100.0
proper training while 17% attributed to drunkenness, the
research thus reveals the majority of the accident is attributed
I sometimes don't bother to wear a seatbelt to condition of the road and wrong driving habit.
Strongly Agree 95 47.5
The research is aimed at revealing respondent’s opinion on if
Agree 74 37.0 the use of a seatbelt reduces the risk of injury if a road traffic
Undecided 15 7.5 accident occurs, 38.5% strongly agree, 50% agree, 7.5%
Disagree 12 6.0
undecided, 2.5% disagree, while 1.5% strongly disagree
respectively. The research thus reveals the use of seatbelt will
Strongly Disagree 4 2.0 go a long way to reduce injury in the occurrence of an
Total 200 100.0 accident. The research also reveals if the respondents feel
Adherence to traffic safety regulation to reduce Road Traffic Accident vulnerable when not wearing a seatbelt, 46% strongly agree,
37% agree, 6.5% undecided, 4.5% disagree while 6% strongly
Strongly Agree 119 59.5
disagree respectively. The research reveals respondents feel
Agree 55 27.5 vulnerable when not using the seatbelt. The research is aimed
Undecided 20 10.0 at revealing the necessity of driving with seatbelt even when
the driver drives carefully, 54% strongly agree, 38% agree,
Disagree 3 1.5
4% undecided, 2.5% disagree while 1.5% strongly disagree,
Strongly Disagree 3 1.5 the research reveals seatbelt is necessary even when driving
Total 200 100.0 carefully for a precautionary measure. The research also
reveals if adherence to traffic safety regulation will reduce
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
road traffic accident, 59.5% strongly agree, 27.5% agree, 10%
The research is aimed at revealing if the respondents have undecided, 1.5% disagree while 1.5% strongly disagree
witnessed accident in the study area, 61% said yes 39% said respectively. The research also reveals if periodic road
no respectively, the researchers recorded more of yes maintenance will go a long way to reduce road traffic
respondents, the research also reveals at what location does accident, 53% strongly agree, 24% agree, 10% undecided,
the accident occur, 40% said at Tollgate which the 6.5% disagree while 6.5% also strongly disagree respectively,
respondents attributed to the sloppy terrain of the area, which it thus reveals periodic road maintenance will reduce
the respondents said break failed heavy-duty vehicle often prevalent of a road traffic accident.
ramp down the slope thereby crushing people and vehicle, 4.1.4 Test of Hypothesis
which sometimes with high casualty, 12% said Pleasure bus
stop, which the respondents attribute to the population density For the purpose of testing the Hypothesis, the independent
of the area, accident often occurs due to the impatience on the variable will be regressed against the dependent variable.
part of the motorist, 13.5% said Mangoro attributed to the Regression tool is used to estimate the coefficients of the
terrain of the location, there is a bus stop in the area, coupled linear equation, involving one or more independent variables
with sloppy terrain, which often time result to accident. Ikeja that best predict the value of the dependent variable.
Along is another identified location notable for a road traffic
Hypothesis one
accident, which is also attributed to the busy nature of the area
and impatience on the part of the commercial bus drivers. H 0: There is no relationship that exists between time and type
14.5% claimed they experience road traffic accident at of accident prevalent.

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H 1: There is a relationship between time and type of accident H 1: There is a relationship between location, time and
prevalent. prevalent of traffic accident
Model Summary Model Summary
R R
Mod Std. Error of Mod Adjusted R Std. Error of the
R Squar Adjusted R Square R Squar
el the Estimate el Square Estimate
e e
1 .225a .051 .046 .83577 1 .572a .327 .323 1.25482
a. Predictors: (Constant), What is the severity of the accident? a. Predictors: (Constant), At what time of the day does the accident
occur
ANOVAa ANOVAa
Sum Sum
of Mean of Mean Sig
Model df F Sig. Model df F
Squar Square
Squar Square .
es es
Regressi 10.5 .00 Regressi 151.2 151.25 96.05 .00
7.375 1 7.375
on 59 1b 1
on 52 2 9 0b
138.3
1 Residual 198 .699 311.7
05 1 Residual 198 1.575
68
145.6 463.0
Total 199 Total 199
80
20
a. Dependent Variable: At what time of the day does the accident occur a. Dependent Variable: If yes at what location (please indicate)
b. Predictors: (Constant), What is the severity of the accident? b. Predictors: (Constant), At what time of the day does the accident occur
Coefficientsa
Standardi
Unstandardized zed Coefficientsa
Coefficients Coefficien Standardize
Model ts t Sig. Unstandardized
d
Std. Coefficients
Coefficients
B Err Beta Model t Sig.
Std.
or B Erro Beta
(Constan .17 5.59 .00 r
.995
t) 8 9 0 (Constant 1.00 5.46 .00
What is .183
) 1 8 0
the At what
1
severity .12 3.24 .00 time of
.419 .225 1
of the 9 9 1 the day 1.01 9.80 .00
accident .104 .572
does the 9 1 0
? accident
a. Dependent Variable: At what time of the day does the accident occur occur
a. Dependent Variable: If yes at what location (please indicate)
The table above provides the R and R2 values of the tested
research hypothesis. The research reveals R-value of 0.225,
which means there is a strong positive relationship between The table above provides the R and R2 values of the tested
time and type of accident prevalent in the study area, and R- research hypothesis. The research reveals R-value of 0.572,
Square value of 0.51, it explains the total variation of the which means there is a strong positive relationship between
dependent variable (time) that can be explained by the location and time and prevalent of accident in the study area,
independent variable (type) while the remaining 49% are and R-Square value of 0.32, it explains the total variation of
attributed to other factors that are not explained by the the dependent variable (location) that can be explained by the
independent variable. The research also reveals p-value of independent variable (time) while the remaining 68% are
0.000 (Significant), which is less than 0.05, and indicates that, other factors that are not explained by the independent
overall, the regression model statistically significantly predicts variable. The research also reveals p-value of 0.000
the outcome variable (i.e., it is a good fit for the data). (Significant), which is less than 0.05, and indicates that,
Therefore, the null hypothesis should be rejected while the overall, the regression model statistically significantly predicts
alternative upholds because it lacks statistical support. It can, the outcome variable (i.e., it is a good fit for the data).
however, be concluded that there is a relationship between Therefore, the null hypothesis should be rejected while the
time and type of accident prevalent. alternative upholds because it lacks statistical support. It can,
Hypothesis Two however, be concluded that there is a relationship between
location, time and prevalent of a traffic accident.
H 0: There is no relationship exists between location, time and
prevalent of traffic accident

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International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume VIII, Issue IX, September 2021|ISSN 2321-2705

V. SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND 8. The use of seatbelt should be encouraged as it will

CONCLUSION reduce the risk of injury in the occurrence of a road
traffic accident.
5.1 Summary Of Findings
9. Motorist should ensure they adhere to traffic safety
The research made some considerable findings which worth regulation in order to reduce road traffic accident
consideration, the road is in a dilapidated state, meanwhile, it
5.3 Conclusion
is under construction, the contribution of the state of the road
coupled with construction activities cannot be An accident is a common phenomenon. It does not segregate
overemphasized, as proper diversion is not carried out on the on the basis of time and place of occurrence. Road traffic
construction corridor, which sometimes results in road traffic accident in Nigeria is a very serious issue requiring holistic
accidents. The areas with prevalent of a road traffic accident attention and approach towards curbing its occurrence
on the study area are attributed to sloppy terrain such as toll considering the magnitude of the problem it presents to every
gate and Mangoro, which respondents emphasize accident Nigerian road users. Based on the findings of this study, it was
often occur in the area due to some break failure of a heavy- concluded that human, mechanical and environmental
duty vehicle, which makes them ram into the vehicle along characteristics are the salient factors that are responsible for
their part resulting in a serious accident. Some areas such as road traffic crashes in Nigeria. There should be total
pleasure, Alakuko and Ikeja Along are busy locations that enforcement of traffic rules and regulation to correct erring
required traffic signs, as some of the road traffic accident that drivers and the Government and affected institutions should
occurs in the location is attributed to the impatience on the take the issue of road construction and maintenance more
part of the drivers, in a busy locations of such and a notable seriously, and in the event of road construction, proper
place for commercial activities, there should be road traffic diversion and traffic sign should be put in place. Driving
signs for coordination and serenity in the area. The research schools should be made compulsory so that driving license
reveals the majority of the accident occur in the morning time, holders will have full knowledge of traffic rules.
known as peak period when the motorist is in a rush, the
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