ASSESSMENT OF ROAD SAFETY INTERVENTIONS IN REDUCING TRAFFIC CRASH SEVERITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) remain a major public health challenge globally, contributing

significantly to mortality, morbidity, and economic losses, particularly in low- and middle-income

countries such as Nigeria. This study assesses the effectiveness of road safety interventions in

reducing RTC severity in Nigeria over the past two decades. The research evaluated key

interventions including speed management, impaired driving prevention, vehicle safety standards,

and road infrastructure improvements to identify implementation gaps and propose solutions. An

explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative analysis of

time series data from 2002 to 2022 with qualitative data from key stakeholders, including road

safety officials and the general public. Quantitative data were analyzed using trend analysis, while

qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore stakeholder perceptions of intervention

effectiveness. Results revealed a paradoxical outcome: while total RTCs declined significantly,

injuries sustained during crashes increased substantially, indicating that interventions reduced

crash frequency but not crash severity. This points to critical gaps in emergency response systems

and vehicle safety standards. Stakeholders expressed mixed views on traffic law enforcement, with many indicating that speed limits and impaired driving laws are inconsistently applied across regions. The study recommends strengthening enforcement mechanisms through automated technologies, ensuring equitable infrastructure improvements, enhancing emergency response systems, and establishing comprehensive crash data systems for evidence-based policymaking. These measures can lead to sustained improvements in road safety outcomes, contributing to Nigeria's commitment to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.