Key Points
- Total road traffic accidents: 2,662 (decrease of 2.02 per cent from previous quarter)
- Serious cases: 1,715; Fatal cases: 693; Minor cases: 254
- Males killed: 1,169 (79.50 per cent of total); Females killed: 302 (20.50 per cent of total)
- Males injured: 6,749 (77.90 per cent of total); Females injured: 1,910 (22.10 per cent of total)
- Vehicles involved: 3,952 (decrease of 5.80 per cent from previous quarter)
A total of 1,471 persons were killed and 8,659 injured in 2,662 crashes on Nigerian roads in the first quarter of 2024, recent data from the Federal Road Safety Corporation, validated by the National Bureau of Statistics, has revealed.
The data also revealed that this was a notable decrease in road accidents across the country, compared to the previous quarter.
The data collection, according to the NBS, involved extensive fieldwork and collaboration with various state road safety units to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Noteworthy Decline in Crashes
The total number of road traffic accidents in Q1 2024 stood at 2,662, marking a 2.02 per cent decline from the 2,717 incidents recorded in the previous quarter and a 3.00 per cent decrease from the 2,733 crashes reported in the same period last year.
Also Read: Nigeria’s Deadly Highways: Bad Roads or Bad Driving Habits?
This reduction points to the effectiveness of ongoing road safety campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
Severity of Crashes
Crashes were categorised based on their severity, revealing that:
- Serious Cases: Comprised 1,715 incidents, forming the largest category.
- Fatal Cases: Accounted for 693 incidents.
- Minor Cases: Totalled 254 incidents.
Each category saw a reduction from the previous quarter, indicating a positive trend towards safer roads.
Gender Disparity in Casualties
A significant gender disparity was observed in the fatalities and injuries:
- Fatalities: Of the 1,471 people killed, 1,169 (79.50 per cent) were males, while 302 (20.50 per cent) were females.
- Injuries: Out of 8,659 injured individuals, 6,749 (77.90 per cent) were males, compared to 1,910 (22.10 per cent) females.
This disparity suggests a need for targeted safety measures aimed at male road users, who appear to be more vulnerable.
Reduction in Vehicles Involved
The total number of vehicles involved in crashes also decreased to 3,952 in Q1 2024 from 4,195 in the previous quarter, marking a 5.80 per cent reduction. This decrease could be attributed to improved vehicle safety standards and better driving practices.
State-Wise Analysis
The report includes a detailed state-wise analysis, highlighting states with high numbers of crashes and casualties. States such as Kaduna, Ogun, and Niger recorded particularly high figures:
- Kaduna: 180 crashes, 828 injured, and 171 killed.
- Ogun: 200 crashes, 542 injured, and 98 killed.
- Niger: 127 crashes, 433 injured, and 119 killed.
These states are identified as high-risk areas requiring intensified road safety interventions.
Causative Factors
The report also sheds light on the common causes of road traffic crashes, which include speeding, wrongful overtaking, brake failure, and driving under the influence.
Addressing these issues through stringent law enforcement and public awareness campaigns is crucial for reducing future incidents.
The Q1 2024 road transport data underscores a positive trend, with fewer road traffic crashes and vehicles involved. However, the persistent gender disparity in casualties and high incident rates in specific states highlight the need for ongoing and targeted road safety efforts.
Continued investment in road safety education, enforcement, and infrastructure development will be essential to sustain and build on these improvements.
