Assessment of Road user’s Awareness on Strategies for Controlling Road Traffic Accidents: A Case Study of Kigoma- Ujiji Municipality

Road traffic accidents are on the increase in Kigoma, causing injuries, loss of lives and damage of properties. The process of urbanization, the resultant motorization and the recent developments in road infrastructure, more specifically the construction of tarmac roads, are seen to contribute to more road accidents. Therefore the study has endeavored to answer the question as to what extent road users in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality are knowledgeable and aware of road traffic rules. The study poses that knowledge of traffic rules is essential for application of safety measures, which leads to responsible behavior on the road and consequently result in reduction of road traffic accidents. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the researcher chose the setting of his study to be Lumumba to Ujiji, Katonga and Mwandiga Roads, both being the heaviest traffic lanes and also the most affected by road accidents. Samples totaling 100 respondents were drawn from 4 major groups of respondents, namely pedestrians and passengers, drivers, and motorists/cyclists, and key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and direct observation. Research results show that knowledge of traffic rules varies greatly among respondents by type of road user, with vehicle drivers scoring highest and pedestrians being the least knowledgeable of all. The researcher recommends increasing and diversifying road user education, tailored to specific needs of each group, and enforcement of traffic rules and strengthening with corrective measures, and improvement of road infrastructure through increase of road signs and markings.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University Of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Juma, Shaban Haruna

• 360 Social services; association

Language dc:language

en