Road Traffic Accidents Along East–West Road in the Niger Delta Region: Perceived Causes and Preventive Measures

Abstract

Abstract: Road accidents have become a normal and re-occurring phenomenon along the East-West Road which has constituted a societal menace. Although both the developed and developing nations of the world have suffered from varying degrees of road accidents, the developing countries clearly dominates with Nigeria having the second highest rate of road accidents among other countries in the world. Deaths from reckless driving are the third leading cause of death in Nigeria. This paper examines road traffic accident problems along the East West Road in the Niger Delta. The causes of accidents and their general preventive measures are discussed. A review of literature on road traffic accidents and its impact was done. There is need to view road traffic accident as a very serious issue requiring urgent attention aimed at preventing untimely deaths, reducing the health, social and economic impacts it portends to the average Niger Deltans.