Pattern of road traffic injuries in Ghana: Implications for control

Abstract

Road traffic injuries and fatalities are increasing in Ghana. Police-collected crash and injury data for the period 1994-1998 were aggregated and analyzed using the MAAP5 accident analysis package developed by the Transport Research Laboratory, U.K. Published results of recent transport-related epidemiological and other surveys provided an additional data source. According to the 1994-1998 police data, road traffic crashes were a leading cause of death and injuries in Ghana. The other leading causes of death and injuries are occupational injuries which involve non-mechanized farming and tribal conflicts. The majority of road traffic fatalities (61.2%) and injuries (52.3%) occurred on roads in rural areas. About 58% more people died on roads in the rural areas than in urban areas, and generally more severe crashes occurred on rural roads compared with urban areas. Pedestrians accounted for 46.2% of all road traffic fatalities. The majority of these (66.8%) occurred in urban areas. The second leading population of road users affected was riders in passenger-ferrying buses, minibuses and trucks. The majority of these (42.8%) were killed on roads that pass through rural areas. Pedestrian casualties were overrepresented (nearly 90%) in five regions located in the southern half of the country. Efforts to tackle pedestrian safety should focus on the five regions of the country where most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas. Policies are also needed to protect passengers in commercially operated passenger-ferrying buses, minibuses and trucks because these vehicles carry a higher risk of being involved in fatal crashes.

Driver Attitude Towards Traffic Safety Violations and Risk Taking Behaviour in Kumasi: The Gender and Age Dimension

“…This means that males have a higher tendency of not complying with traffic laws than females in Ghana. This corroborates findings from various studies such as Vlahogianni (2013); Vardaki and Yannis (2013);Farah, (2011);Romano et al (2012);Nordfjaern et al (2012;2010); Iversen and Rundmo (2004); Afukaar et al (2003); Yagil (1998);Odero et al (1997) and Harre et al (1996).…”

“…In line with the findings of other studies by Vlahogianni and Golias (2012);Farah (2011);Forward (2010);Yan et al (2007); Kontogiannis et al (2002);Parker et al (1995), Yagil (1998), Deery (1999), Afukaar et al (2003); Iversen and Rundmo (2004), results of the study revealed that drivers' age has significant effect on the frequency of commission of traffic violations. From the study, younger drivers report a more often violation of traffic laws than old drivers.…”

“…Similar studies in low income countries have indicated that male gender and low age influence risk constructs, attitudes and driving behaviour in similar patterns (Afukaar et al, 2003;Odero et al, 1997). These studies have therefore proven successful in relating demographic variables (gender and age) to driver attitude and risk taking behaviour in relation to road safety.…”

“…In Ghana, traffic accidents are an even greater issue as they are among the leading causes of death and injuries (Afukaar et al, 2003). An estimated 1,800 people die annually while 14,500 people are injured through accidents on the country's roads.…”

Beta blockers exposure and traumatic brain injury: a literature review

“…In low-income and middle-income countries, other types of motor vehicle are more often involved. In Ghana, 37.8% of pedestrian traffic deaths involve cars, but the cars are often taxis; 31.8% buses or minibuses; 18.6% heavy trucks; 7.6% light trucks; 2.1% motorcycles; 0.8% bicycles; and 1.3% other (105).…”