Analysis of factors associated with traffic crashes in Uganda
Abstract
The study analyzed the factors associated with road traffic crashes in Uganda from 2009 to 2018. The data used in this study was extracted from the annual traffic reports (2009-2018). The main purpose of the study was to identify the causes of road traffic accidents in Uganda, to suggest solutions which will inform policy makers for policy formulation and reduce the increased occurrence of road accidents in Uganda.
This dissertation report is expected to roll out awareness to the various categories of road users within and outside Uganda on road safety and accidents prevention measures. The study therefore highlights the magnitude and impact of the problem of road traffic crushes; key risk factors; the need for a scientific approach to preventing road traffic crushes and how to strengthen the available mechanisms and policies for prevention of road traffic crushes and inform the public, government and traffic stakeholders about the key gaps in public awareness of traffic rules and regulations, hence appealing for more efforts that can help increase research.
The results of the study supported the objective of the research and found out that the major causes of road traffic crashes are reckless driving, over speeding, over loading, dangerous loading, under influence of alcohol, DMC vehicles and careless driving. The researcher noted that on average, careless driving was the highest contributor towards traffic crashes, closely followed by reckless/dangerous driving among human factors with each having mean of 7910.5 and 5729.2 as well as maximum totals as 9316 and 6948 respectively.
The researcher recommends increase traffic user education programs through workshops, community social responsibilities that could result into informed and responsible road users and an increase on traffic patrols as well as streamlining effective penalty tracking and payment systems.