Geographic analysis of road accident severity index in Nigeria

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot. 2019 Mar;26(1):72-81. doi: 10.1080/17457300.2018.1476387. Epub 2018 May 28.

Abstract

Before 2030, deaths from road traffic accidents (RTAs) will surpass cerebrovascular disease, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Yet, there is little knowledge on the geographic distribution of RTA severity in Nigeria. Accident Severity Index is the proportion of deaths that result from a road accident. This study analysed the geographic pattern of RTA severity based on the data retrieved from Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The study predicted a two-year data from a historic road accident data using exponential smoothing technique. To determine spatial autocorrelation, global and local indicators of spatial association were implemented in a geographic information system. Results show significant clusters of high RTA severity among states in the northeast and the northwest of Nigeria. Hence, the findings are discussed from two perspectives: Road traffic law compliance and poor emergency response. Conclusion, the severity of RTA is high in the northern states of Nigeria, hence, RTA remains a public health concern.

Keywords: GIS; Nigeria; Road accident; severity index; spatial analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Accidents, Traffic / trends
  • Automobile Driving / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Developing Countries / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emergencies
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geographic Mapping
  • Government Agencies
  • Humans
  • Nigeria
  • Resource Allocation
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety*