Appraising the Prevalence of Road Traffic Accidents and Its Impact on SocioEconomic Well-Being of Communities along Mubi-Yola Highway, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) represent a major public health and socio-economic concern globally, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the highest burden. This study assesses the prevalence of road traffic accidents and their impact on the socioeconomic well-being of communities along the Mubi-Yola highway in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was adopted, utilizing accident records from law enforcement agencies. Individual interviews were also conducted with the staff of FRSC and NURTW, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users along the Mubi-Yola Highway to generate data for analysis. Findings revealed a high prevalence of RTAs, with frequent involvement of commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. The major causes identified include over-speeding, poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations. Spatial clustering and hot-spots of traffic accidents along the corridor were noted at Fachi, Kwanan Sigiri and Vunaklang Junction with frequencies ranging from 10.1 to 13. The socio-economic impacts of road traffic accidents on wellbeing of the communities comprise loss of breadwinners, increased medical and burial expenses, long-term disabilities, disruption of economic activities, and heightened poverty levels among affected households. The study concludes that RTAs along the Mubi-Yola highway do not only pose significant public health risks but also exacerbate socio-economic vulnerabilities within the region. It recommends improved road infrastructure, strict traffic law enforcement, driver education programs, and provision of accessible emergency response services to mitigate accident rates and their adverse consequences on community well-being. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policymakers and road safety advocates, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions.

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