Challenges to effective road user education in reducing road traffic accidents in Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing trend in road traffic accidents (RTAs) has remained a concern that seems to defy solutions over the years. A major strategy for reducing RTAs is road user education, which uses campaigns and enlightenment programmes. However, the effectiveness of road user education in curtailing the trend of RTAs is faced with several challenges. This study examines the challenges to the effectiveness of road user education in reducing the trend of RTAs in Nigeria. The data for the study were collected with a well-designed questionnaire administered randomly to respondents. The questionnaire presented twelve (12) statements in a 5-point Likert scale for the respondents to rank in order of significance to identify the most significant challenges to road user education. The data collected were subjected to exploratory factor analysis to reduce the items to the most significant challenges facing effective road user education. The study identified institutional, participatory and funding as the most significant challenges confronting effective road user education in Nigeria. The study provides insight into the approach that can enhance the effectiveness of road user education by improving institutional policies, road user behaviour and external sources of funding.

Keywords

• road user education
• road traffic accidents
• institutional challenges
• funding challenges