ASSESSMENT OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed road traffic accidents on the economic performance of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Road traffic accidents are increasing with a rapid pace, considered a global epidemic and one of the leading causes of death in developing countries. Nigeria is not left out of the negative effect of the road traffic accidents, while Federal Capital Territory, being the capital of Nigeria and one of the fastest growing cities in the world is adversely affected. The study also examined the contributing factors to road traffic accidents and the influence of road safety agencies on road traffic accidents over the years. It was conducted as a contribution towards stemming this ugly trend by x-raying the effect on the economy of FCT in particular and Nigeria in general. The study was cross-sectional descriptive in nature. Primary and secondary data were collected from relevant agencies and stakeholders, including published papers. The Study area was Abuja while the population included road users, Federal Road Safety Corps staff, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) staff and members of National Union of Road Transport Workers. Analysis was carried out using simple descriptive statistics or univariate analysis. Regression analysis at 95% confidential interval was carried out on the secondary data. The study revealed that road traffic accidents have adverse effect on the gross domestic product per capita and consequently, on the economy of FCT, Abuja. Some factors were identified as being majorly responsible for the unabated incidences of road traffic accidents that government and relevant agencies need to pay more attention. The study recommended adequate training of road safety officials, increased public enlightenment on safe driving, constant repair and maintenance of bad roads, adequately equipping the emergency units of hospitals, among others, as panacea to minimizing road traffic accidents and the fatalities therefrom, so as to improve the economy of the country.