Abstract:

The increasing level of road traffic accidents in Plateau State and the consequent injuries and deaths strengthened the case for its regular analysis. There is a generally increasing incidence, morbidity and mortality rates of road traffic accidents. Majority of mortalities and morbidities occur in developing Countries. Worldwide, road traffic accidents lead to deaths and disability as well as financial cost to both society and the individual involved. The causes of road traffic accidents are not just human error or driver negligence. Unfortunately, Nigerian highways are arguably one of the worst and most dangerous in the world. Road traffic accident in Plateau State, Nigeria has not received the attention warranted. Reviewing literature on road traffic accidents and their impact and using the time-series description method, road traffic accidents showed an upward trend and significant seasonal influences.

Using chi-square test showed there were significant differences among the various causes of accidents and accident cases (Minor, fatal and serious) with respect to types of vehicles involved over the years. Articles were sort from public libraries, as well as online through internet search engines and relevant information extracted. There is need to view road traffic accident as an issue that needs urgent attention aimed at reducing the health, social and economic impacts. Data on recorded cases of road traffic accidents was collected from the Motor Traffic Division (MTD), Divisional Headquarters, Jos, Plateau State Police Command. Out of 5921 accident cases, reckless driving, inexperience and mechanical fault and road defects accounted for 30.3,

21.5 and 21.1%, respectively. Two motorcycles, motorcycle-vehicle and vehicle-vehicle crashes are the lead types and have resulted in 38.9, 37.5 and 14.9% of the 855 deaths recorded within the period of study. Furthermore, the study showed that private cars, minibuses and taxis accounted for most of the accidents with 94.7% of the total accidents. 

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