GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study has been set out to specifically examine the magnitude of Road Traffic Accident indices over a period of 2010-2019, analyze the pattern of Road Traffic Accident in Lagos State, and identify the black spot locations and their impact on spatial content using Geographic Information System (GIS). Spatial data from satellite imagery were extracted to provide the coordinates of accident locations with the aid of Global Positioning System (GPS), the Digital Elevation Model using ArcGIS version 10.7 which created relief maps showcasing all major enforcement agencies, black spots, geometric features, hospitals, date and relevant causes of crashes were determined. Multi-criteria analysis was used to examine the magnitude of Road Traffic Accident indices over a period of 2010-2019 while Spatial Statistical mapping/ Kernel Density Estimation were carried out to analyze the pattern of Road Traffic Accident in Lagos State. Hot Spot Analysis was used for proper delineation and coordination. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to determine the road network analysis so as to reveal strategic methods to reducing the menace of black spots. Findings revealed that, total number of recorded crashes across the various roads in the study area was 15,320 cases from 2010 to 2019. The statistics covered the dataset from Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of Nigerian Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) for the period January 2010 to December 2019. The results were presented in tables, charts and maps. The research showed that Ikeja has the highest percentage of 21.13% followed by Kosofe (15.22%), Lagos Island (13.55%), but Alimosho and Surulere local government areas have least 3.65% and 2.98% respectively. The hotspot analysis identified 204 black spots with average of 153 events per annum across the senatorial district where Lagos west has the highest percentage of blackspot with 50.49%, followed by Lagos East by 25% and Lagos Central by 24% within the district of the study area in which lack of proper delineation or makings at intersections were revealed to be the major cause of the crashes. The research concluded that, roads and should be are to be constructed with appropriate design on the bases of the type and volume of traffic they are meant to cater for. Similarly, proper markings, geometric and concrete demarcations should be used at intersections. Black spots identified are to be stationed with emergency health facilities. GIS should be incorporated in landuse planning and traffic management decisions.