Contributing Factors of Traffic Accident and Their Possible Countermeasures in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Transportation is responsible for the development of civilizations from very old times. However road traffic accident is in a state of rise and recognized as a major socio-economic concern facing Ethiopia as the country. So, this study was conducted with an objective of assessing the traffic safety issue of Debre Berhan town on main highway which serves for the town and cross country traffic. The study followed a methodology of visual investigation of traffic accident location; and speed, traffic volume and traffic accident data collection. According to the data analysis, traffic accident in Debre Berhan was in increasing trend year to year with major accident characteristics of overturning followed by pedestrian accident. In addition, the primary causes of traffic accident in the town are investigated as speeding followed by failure to give way for pedestrian. Minibus and medium bus were responsible for more than 50% of all traffic accident recorded from all categories of vehicles. Around 50% of traffic accidents were contributed from age group of 18 – 30 years that need a primary concern; and the rates of accident on farmers are in alarming rate respect to other victims. Finally, appropriate engineering measures, police enforcement, training and education are recommended to solve the safety problems of the town. The main engineering measures for different location proposed include painted rumple strip to alarm the driver; speed limit sign provision; alternative pedestrian route; restrict parking on some locations that narrow the road and restrict passing; and others. The police enforcement may include on controlling of speeding and assuring the effectiveness of traffic law. A focus on training for young drivers seeking driving license was another recommendation in reduction of traffic accident. In addition, traffic safety education is recommended for students, public workers and farmers for significant reduction of traffic accident.