SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON THE ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY: CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

ABSTRACT 

Road transport faces a host of challenges with road traffic accidents (RTA) being notable among them and RTAs are well-known for causing most deaths in many countries. The main objective of this study was to analyse the spatio-temporal pattern of RTAs on the Accra-Tema Motorway and the extent to which motor vehicle drivers contribute to accident on the motorway. The Haddon Matrix and the Systems Theories were applied to give a holistic view of RTAs. The cross-sectional research design of the Accra-Tema Motorway for the period of three years (2011-2013) was developed. Forty questionnaires were distributed to taxi and minibus drivers through a multi-stage sampling, while 40 private car drivers and 40 passengers were also purposively sampled for the study. Seven key informants from five stakeholder institutions and 10 pedestrians were also interviewed. The kernel density analysis performed showed there was an increase in the number of accident black spots (location of high accident frequency) on the motorway from six medium spots and one high spot in 2011 to seven medium and two high spots in 2013. The major causes of RTAs at the black spots identified on the Accra-Tema Motorway are the many illegal routes along the motorway, especially at the abattoir area and at the several U-turns at different locations. A total of 47.4% of passengers responded that drivers’ attitude and the car’s condition were the major causes of RTA on the motorway. RTAs usually occur when it rains and this was confirmed by the 79.2% response from drivers. Most drivers do not have a routine check of their vehicles so that only 45 out of the 120 respondents had a routine check of their vehicle. The majority (78.3%) of drivers strongly disagree that it is proper to drive above the speed limit. Pedestrians cross the motorway indiscriminately, some routinely, and this has increased the rate of RTAs on the motorway. Most of the pedestrians interviewed acknowledged that they were unaware of the illegality of using the motorway though they were not ignorant about the dangers. All illegal routes should be blocked and wrongful use of the motorway discouraged. Overpasses should be constructed for pedestrians to cross from one side of the motorway to the other and service routes should be constructed along the motorway that vehicles entering or exiting can use. There is the need for the provision and accurate positioning of road signs to make the use of the motorway safe. Drivers and other road users should be well educated to understand the rules and regulations on the motorway and also for the need to repair their vehicles routinely.