NIGERIAN SCHOOL HEALTH JOURNAL
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1.
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3.
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5.
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Psychological Association format.
7.
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to the authors. Authors are liable to the content of articles published by
NSHA.
1
8.
Manuscript on any aspect of School Health Education in particular and
health in general are welcome. Readership includes the public, school,
college or university people, and professionals in health related fields.
9.
Send your manuscripts to
The Editor-in-Chief,
C/o Professor C.O. Udoh,
Department of Human Kinetics and Health,
Education,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
OR
The Journal Secretary,
Dr. O.A. Moronkola,
Department of Human Kinetics and Health
Education,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
NIGERIAN SCHOOL HEALTH JOURNAL
Volume 14
Editorial Board
Numbers 1 & 2, 2002
Prof. C.O. Udoh – Editor-in-Chief University of Ibadan.
Prof. J.O. Fawole – Member – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Prof. James A. Ajala – Member – University of Ibadan.
Prof. J.D. Adeniyi – Member – University of Ibadan.
Prof. B.A. Fajewonyomi, - Member – Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
Dr. S.D. Nwajei – Member – Delta State University, Abraka.
Dr. A.K. Fabiyi – Member – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Dr. (Mrs.) B.A. Oladimeji – Member-Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Dr. Danladi I, Musa – Member-Bayero University, Kano.
Dr. O.A. Moronkola – Member/Journal Secretary – University of Ibadan.
2
MAIN FOCUS OF THIS EDITION: SAFETY EDUCATION
Nigerian School Health Association (NSHA)
ARTICLES
VOLUME 14 NO. 1
1.
Ajibola, C.A. Physical and Health Education Unit Department of
Vocational and Special Education, University of Calabar, Calabar – Motor
Accidents on Nigerian Roads: A Case Study of Cross River State.
2.
Tejumola T.O. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun, State –
Benefits of Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Victims of Sexual
Assault.
3.
Adeogun, J.O. & Idowu, B.B., Faculty of Education, Lagos State
University, Ojo, Lagos – On The Job Safety Assessment in Food
Processing Industry: A case Study of Nestle Nigeria Plc.
4.
Amunega S.B., Department of Health & Physical Education, University of
Ilorin – Occupational Hazards in Odo-Okun Sawmill in Ilorin West Local
Government Area of Kwara State: Cases and Prevention.
5.
Shehu, R.A. Department of Physical and Health Education Faculty of
Education University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria – Federal Road Safety Corps
and Accident Prevention in Nigeria.
6.
Ojo, R.A. & Omolawon, K.O. University of Ibadan – Accident Prevention
as a Death-Reduction Factor in Nigeria
7.
Sadiq, J.O. Department of Physical and Health Education, Federal College
of Education, Okene – Rationale and Strategies for Preventing Road
Accidents in Nigeria.
3
8.
Owojaiye S.O. Department of Physical and Health Education University
of Ilorin, Ilorin – the Polluted Nigerian Environment: Causes and
Consequences on Human Safety.
9.
Gaya, M.W.U. & Nwokoro, E.S. Department of Physical & Health
Education University of Maiduguri Nigeria – Nature, Incidence and
Prevention of Injuries in Traditional Boxing (Dambe) in Maidufuri Borno
State.
10.
Kalesanwo, O.O. & Adetunji, J.O. Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye
–
Peer
STDs/HIV/AIDS
Education
as
Instrument
Among Secondary
School
for
the
Reduction
Adolescents
of
in Sagamu
Township of Ogun State.
11.
Eboh, L.O. & Onohwakpor, A.E.O. Department of Physical & Health
Education Delta State University Abraka, Delta State – Occupational
Health Hazards and Safety Measures in Delta Glass Plc. Ughelli, Delta
State.
12.
Agonsi, L.C. National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos-Safety
Orientation for Grassroots Sports.
13.
Bassey, F.S. Department of Physical and Health Education University of
Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State – the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and
Accident prevention on Nigerian Roads: Implications for Health Education.
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VOLUME 14 NO. 2
14.
Adegbenro, C.A. & Fabiyi, A.K. Department of Community Health,
College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife – Health
Hazards Among Workers in Saw-Mill Industry in Bodija Market, Ibadan.
15.
Kalesanwo O.O. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye-Strategies for
the prevention of Home Accidents.
16.
Sanusi, A.A. & Kaida, A., Department of Physical and Health Education,
University
of
Maiduguri,
Borno
State-Perceived
Determinants
of
Automobile Accidents by Licensed Drivers in Borno State, Nigeria
17.
Adegbite, C.O. Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria –
Traffic Accidents: Trends and Prevention.
18.
Nwajei S.D. & Nwanchukwu, A.E. Department of Physical and Health
Education, Delta State University, Abraka. Health and Safety Education as
Essential Strategies in Prevention of Industrial Hazards.
19.
Oyerinde, O.O. & Obiyemi, O.O University of Ilorin-Risk Factors in the
Homes: A Case Study of the Opinions of Staff in Ilorin Township Schools.
20.
Marchie, C.L. School of Nursing, University of Benin teaching Hospital,
Benin City-Accidental Injuries Among School Children: Causes, Sources
and Safety Precautions
21.
Sadiq, J. Onuja & Owojaiye, S. Oni-University of Ilorin-Level of Safety
Education Knowledge and Availability of first Aid Materials in Primary
Schools in Egbe, Kwara State.
5
22.
Adeniyi J.A. Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin-Occupational Health
and Safety: Concepts, Objectives and Relevance.
23.
Ajala, J.A. & Bolarinwa, R.O.-University of Ibadan-Gender Perception
of Occupational Stress among Senior Non-Teaching Staff of Colleges of
Education in South Western Nigeria
24.
Ogundele, B.O. University of Ibadan & F.O. sAdeyemo, Oyo State
College of Advanced Nursing Oyo-Effectiveness of FRSC in Motor Traffic
Accidents Prevention on Oyo-Ibadan Highway
25.
Oke, Kayode, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye-Traffic Accident
Pattern on Ibadan Ilorin Road.
26.
Morokola, O.A. & R.O Adio-Moses University of Ibadan-how safe are
they: Self Reported Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among
in-School Adolescents in Ibadan.
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EDITORIAL
The theme for this volume of the Nigerian School Health Journal is Safety
Education. The choice is borne out of the fact that lack of safety consciousness
and awareness have become the bane of the Nigerian society today.
Nevertheless, safety issues remain one of the major health concerns of the day.
Safety issues constantly occupy the headlines of the print and electronic media,
and yet the resulting mortality and morbidity as well as damage to properties can
be avoided if people were sufficiently educated in matters of accident prevention
and safety education. This volume contains articles that address the ramifications
of the problem of safety. We have no doubt that professional colleagues and
students and indeed the general public will benefit from reading the articles.
The publication of the Association’s journal has continued to experience
financial hardship. Although the financial contributions by contributors of articles
may appear high, the total amount that comes in is hardly adequate to offset the
primary costs. We continue to publish because we believe it is the only way to
ensure that the Association is alive and that ideas and research findings in health
matters are made available to health professionals, our students and the general
public. At every publication of the journal, there are always some contributors
who do not meet up with their financial obligations promptly when their articles
are accepted. This places a lot of burden on the editors, especially when we are
not always in a position to meet up with 75% of the printing cost usually
demanded by printers before embarking on the job. We therefore implore all
7
contributors of articles to pay promptly when their articles are accepted, as well
as encourage institutional libraries and students to purchase published volumes.
We shall continue to count on your quality articles, moral and financial supports
as well as vigorous marketing, if we are to continue to be in business of serving
you and our profession by bringing you the latest ideas and research findings on
health and health-related issues.
NIGERIAN SCHOOL HEALTH JOURNAL VOL. 14 NO 2 2002 ISSN:0794-3474
THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN
NIGERIA.
BY
Shehu, Reheem Adaramaja
Department of Physical and Health Education Faculty of Education
University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
Abstract
The increase in rate of road traffic accidents with the attendant
implications like deaths, injuries and loss of prosperities informed the
Federal Military Government to establish the Federal Road Safety Corps in
1988. This paper examined various responsibilities vested on the Crops
under Decree 45 of 1988 and the amended decree 35 of 1992. It also
highlighted various road traffic offences which, if violated by road users,
would make them liable for prosecution. The paper also discussed causes
and prevention of road accidents vis-à-vis problems facing the Corps in
the discharge of its responsibilities. Finally, recommendations were given
for the way forward.
8
Introduction
Nigerians believe that road traffic accident is an integral element of
human fate. This is because death and injury resulting from road traffic accident
are accepted as part of human destiny. In an attempt to reduce untimely deaths
and destruction of properties resulting from accidents, the Federal Government
of Nigeria formally approved the establishment of the Federal Road Safety
Commission in 1988 (FRSC, 1997).
One of the cardinal objectives of the FRSC is the enforcement of traffic
laws and regulations. Thus, the establishment of FRSC in 1988 signifies the
honest intentions of government at conscientizing Nigerians on Road Safety
matters and accident prevention programmes.
In an attempt to achieve this, the government of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) embarked on road safety
campaign programmes, proper placement of traffic signs, periodic review of
highway code, construction and maintenance of road, recruitment and training of
traffic police and road wardens on the enforcement of road safety rules and
regulations and a host of others.
Historical Perspective.
The issue of road safety in Nigeria became a Federal concern in 1974
when the National Road Safety Commission was et up under the Federal Ministry
of Works and Housing (Bello, 1985). The implementation of this programme was
under the Nigeria Police Force. It lasted for a period of 14 years 1974 – 1988.
9
within this period not much was achieved under the Nigeria Policy Force because
it was merely a yearly routine check by the Federal Highway Patrol Arm/Unit of
the Police.
In 1977, the government of Oyo State established the first Road Safety
Corps, under the administration of the Retried Major General, David Jemibewon.
Members of the corps were called “Majamaja”. Their area of operation was
within the State (Oyo State) only. Other states then emulated Oyo State by
establishing their own Safety Corps. Despite its success, it was abolished by
Alhaji Shehu Shargari regime in 1980 due to political sentiments.
The establishment of the Federal Road Safety Commission became
necessary due to the continued loss of lives and properties in the country
highways as shown in Table 1 on the vital statistics of road accidents in Nigeria
for the period of 1960 – 1984.
Table 1: 1960 – 1984 Nigerian Road Accident Statistics
YEAR
TOTAL CASES
NO OF PERSONS
NO OF PERSONS
REPORTED
KILLED
INJURED
1960
14,130
1,083
13,216
1961
15,963
1,313
10,614
1962
16,317
1,578
10,341
1963
19,835
1,532
7.771
1964
15,927
1,769
12,581
1965
16,904
1,918
12,024
1966
14,000
2,000
13,000
10
1967
13,000
2,400
10,000
1968
12,163
2,808
9,474
1969
12,998
2,347
8,804
1970
16,666
2,893
13,154
1971
17,745
3,206
14,592
1972
23,287
3,921
16,161
1973
24,844
4,537
18,154
1974
28,893
4,992
18,660
1975
32,651
5,552
20,132
1976
40,881
6,761
28,155
1977
35,351
8,000
30,023
1978
36,111
9,252
28,854
1979
29,271
8,022
21,203
1980
32,138
8,736
25,484
1981
33,777
10,202
26,337
1982
37,094
11,382
28,539
1983
32,109
10,462
26,866
1984
28,892
8,830
23,861
1960-1984
600,947
125,496
445,000
Source:
Jacobs and Hands (1988). Accidents Rates in Developing
Countries (Nigeria).
11
This frightening phenomenon, as shown in Table 1 above, has to be put
under control.
Therefore, on the 18th February, 1988 the Federal Military
Government under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime established the Federal
Road Safety Commission under Decree 45 of 1988 and amended Decree 35 of
1992.
The Commission has its first Chairman in person of Professor Wole
Soyinka while Dr. Olu Agunloye was the first Corps Marshal as Chief Executive. It
was established to operate directly under the office of the President for proper
co-ordination of its activities.
Decree 45 of 1998
As provided in Decree 45 of 1988, Federal Road Safety Commission is to
have two arms to facilitate the operational activities of the Commission. These
arms are:
(1)
The Regular Marshal and
(2)
The Special Marshal
The regular Marshal are uniformed Road Marshal and Commanders who
are in the employment of the Commission. They are obliged by Decree 45 of
1988 to perform duties assigned to them by the Commission to reduce road
traffic accidents.
The Special Marshal consists of volunteer men and women of proven
integrity and considerable interest and expertise in road safety and related fields.
They do not wear uniforms but are empowered by Decree 45 of 1988 to arrest
and prosecute traffic offenders, give lectures, offer research services and advice
12
in their areas of expertise. This includes the Road Safety Clubs, State Committee
on Road Safety Matters, Local Committee on Road Safety Matters and any other
body or organization that is concerned with road safety matters.
The mandate of FRSC as provided in the Decree are as follows:
1.
Making highways safe for motorists and other road users.
2.
Recommending works and devices design to eliminate or minimize
accidents on the highways and advices where required.
3.
Educating motorists and members of the public on the importance of
highway code.
4.
Clearing obstruction on any part of the highways.
5.
Giving prompt attention to the victims of accidents on the highways.
6.
Conducting research into the causes of motor accidents and methods of
preventing them.
7.
Determining and enforcing speed limit for all categories of roads and
vehicles.
8.
Cooperating with bodies or agencies or groups engaged in road safety
activities in the prevention of accident of the highways.
9.
Ensuring strict compliance with all road safety rules and regulations.
10.
Making adequate provision for medical facilities at convenient places all
over the country to cater for people who suffer injuries from road
accidents.
13
11.
Prosecuting in any magistrate court in the state within which a diver is
suspected of having committed an offence.
12.
Imposing fines ranging from N100 – N500 on any persons or groups of
persons that violated traffic rules and regulations (FRSC, 1990).
The Amended Decree 35 of 1992
On June 1992 the Federal Military Government of Nigeria found it
necessary to effect some amendments to some provisions in Decree 45 of 1988.
In addition to the mandate given to FRSC in the implementation of highway
regulations, the commission is also shouldered with the responsibility of:
1.
Designing drivers’ licence to be used by various categories of vehicle
operations,
2.
Determining from time to time the requirements to be satisfied by an
applicant for the drivers’ licence.
3.
Designing vehicle plate identification numbers and controlling the use of
speed limiting devices.
4.
Standardization of highways traffic codes (FRSC, 1990).
The decree also empowered members of the corps to arrest and
prosecute offenders reasonably suspected to have committed any of the
following offenses among others and serve same summon(s) or notice of offence
sheet. FRSC is also to sanction drivers who commit these offences:
(i)
Carrying passengers or load in excess of the number a particular vehicle is
licenced to carry.
14
(ii)
Driving a vehicle without a spare tyre or with tyre(s) whose threading are
worm out.
(iii)
Driving a vehicle without a windscreen.
(iv)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(v)
Driving a vehicle with a projecting load and without a rod waving attached
to the end of the projected load.
Causes and Prevention of Road Traffic Accidents
Udoh, Fawole, Ajala, Okafor and Nwana (1987) identified ignorance,
improper attitudes, habits, insufficient skills, faulty gadgets or machines and
unsafe environments as factors responsible for accidents in our society,
especially road traffic accidents.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (1997),= categorized the causes of Road
Traffic
Accidents
(RTA)
under
human
factors,
mechanical
factors
and
environmental factors.
The Human Factors
Human factors account for over 60% of road traffic accidents. It is very
clear to all of us that a stationary vehicle on the road, no matter how dilapidated
the road is, will not cause any accident of its own if not put into use or hit by
another vehicle. It is a hard truth that most of our drivers exhibit unhealthy
driving habits which are inimical to the safety of other road users. Pedestrians
and passengers have equally not helped matters either, by their behaviour on
the roads.
15
The following are human factors that can cause Road Traffic Accidents
(RTA) on the part of the drivers.
i.
Lack of skill
ii.
Poor knowledge of traffic signs, rules and regulations
iii.
Over confidence
iv.
Over speeding
v.
Influence of alcohol or drugs
vi.
Lack of concentration while driving
vii.
Over loading
viii.
Dangerous overtaking
Pedestrians as human factors also constitute dangers through the
following ways:
i.
Some pedestrians appear determined not to use the pedestrian
crossing provided for them.
ii.
Some pedestrians contest the motor ways with motorists even where
pedestrians ways are provided.
iii.
Wearing of non-reflective clothing by the pedestrians, especially at
night makes it difficult for the drivers to see them.
iv.
Lack of road crossing drill, especially by hawkers, children and even
adults.
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Passengers also contribute their own role in the causes of accidents under
human factors by distracting the attention of the driver(s) either through
quarrels, arguments or through provoking discussion while on motion.
The Mechanical Factors
Many drivers often do not check their vehicles to ensure that they are in
good conditions before setting out for a journey. The following constitutes
mechanical factors that causes accidents:
i.
Poor vehicle maintenance
ii.
Failure of engine system, break system and electrical system predisposes
one to accidents.
The Environmental Factors: These include:
i.
Poor road conditions
ii.
Absence of road signs which give direction to drivers and
iii.
Other road users
iv.
Parked, abandoned broken down vehicles on the road without adequate
road sign, especially by tankers or drivers. The abandoned vehicles can
cause accidents at night.
v.
Poor weather conditions can also cause accidents.
The elimination of all the above-stated reasons would help in the
prevention of Road Traffic Accidents. The Federal Road Safety Corps since
inception in 1988 has done well in the discharge of their responsibilities under
the enabling decree. These include:
17
i.
Arrest and persecution of offenders that violated traffic rules and
regulations
ii.
Making highways safe for motorist and other road users, at least to
certain degree.
iii.
Organization of road safety education programme for the drivers, other
road users and members of the public.
iv.
Training and research into various causes of accidents and how to
prevent them.
v.
Care for the Road Traffic Accident victims
vi.
Revenue generation for the government through the issuance and
production of driving licences and vehicles plate identification
numbers. And imposition of fines on the culprits that break traffic rules
and regulations.
Problem facing Federal Road Safety Corps
In the overall assessments of the Commission’s performance since
inception one would have expected it to do more but it has not because of the
following problems:
i.
Poor funding for the maintenance of vehicles and purchase of rescue
operations devices i.e. torch light, firearms, axe, first aid kit, body bag,
fire extinguishers, water, etc.
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ii.
Shortage of manpower: As officers and men of the corps are grossly
inadequate when compared to the present population and heavy traffic
on the roads.
iii.
Problems of incessant armed robbery attacks on the highways
iv.
Poor remuneration in forms of salary and allowances for the members
of FRSC.
v.
Occupational hazards due to logistic problems.
vi.
The marriage between FRSC and the Nigerian police has hindered the
operation of the corps. This has resulted in inferiority complex, delay in
the issuance of vehicles’ plate identification numbers, driving licences
and unnecessary bureaucracy.
vii.
Unnecessary politicking as related to the recruitment of qualified
manpower into the corps.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The paper has discussed the historical background of Federal Road Safety
Commission vis-à-vis the established decree 45 of 1988 and the amended decree
35 of 1992. It has also highlighted the responsibilities vested on the Commission
under the decree to arrest and prosecute offenders of traffic rules and
regulations, among others.
It further discussed causes and prevention of road traffic accidents, as
well as identified problems facing the operational efficiency of Federal Road
Safety Commission.
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Finally, the Commission’s performance since inception can be stated as
fairly good taking into considerations certain problems militating against the
operational efficiency of the Commission.
The writer recommends that an organ like FRSC be adequately funded
and well equipped. Qualified manpower should be recruited and trained in the
act of safety measures and corps members should be adequately insured.
Lastly, an urgent divorce between the Nigerian Police Force and the
Federal Road Safety Corps should be initiated to remove unnecessary
bureaucracy attached to effective discharge of the Commission’s responsibilities
in recent years.
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REFERENCES
Bello, A.T. (1985). Accident Prevention in Nigeria. A Paper Presented at the
National workshop on Accident prevention and Control Organized by
Nigeria, First Aid Group at the Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna Pp. 3 – 4.
Federal Road Safety Commission (1997). Highway Code (Revised Ed.) Federal
Republic of Nigeria. Typeset by Lithotec Limited.
Federal Road Safety Commission (1990). Training Manual for the Officers and
Men Lagos: Hay publishers Nigeria Limited.
Hobbs, F.D. (1979). Traffic Planning and Engineering. (2nd ed.) London:
Progamon Press.
Jacobs, G.D. and Hards, W.A. (1988). Further Research on Road Accident Rates
in Developing Countries, in Transport Planning in Development Counties,
PTRC Summon Annual Meeting, England: Warwick University.
Udoh, C.O. Fawole, J.O; Ajala, J.A. Okafor C. & Nwana, O (1987). Fundamentals
of Health Education. Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria)
Limited.
21