ASSESSMENT OF SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIATION OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN AMBO TOWN, WEST SHOA ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The phenomena of road traffic accident in Ambo town has been a source of concern in view of the loss of life and its socio-economic consequences. The study assessed the spatio temporal variation of road traffic accident in Ambo town using a survey questionnaire, interview, personal observation and secondary data obtained from the Ambo town a traffic police accident control and inspection office covering the period of 2014 to 2018. Stratified sampling techniques and purposive sampling techniques were employed. A total of 149 copies questionnaires were distributed to Minibus drivers, Bajaj drivers and Motor cycle drivers in their principal stations. 40 pedestrians and four key informants from traffic policemen were purposively selected for interview. All copies were successfully returned and considered appropriate for the analysis. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis because of the data gathered was both quantitative and qualitative e. The results were presented in the form of tables, pictures and figures. The result of the analysis revealed that in the study area, human related causes are mainly responsible for majority of traffic accident in space and time. The magnitude of increase in human deaths of the town within four years interval (2014-2018) was about 71.4%. This means that the death caused by RTAs was increasing by an average of 17.85% within 2014-2018. Majority of the traffic accident on the road occur during the day time especially afternoon. To address the problems, road traffic rules and regulations needs to be taught well as a subject in primary school or elementary level. This is because large number of people have elementary level of education. Government should provide necessary materials or logistics to the enforcement agencies such as Ambo town traffic police and other coordinating bodies to enhance their work. The study generally comments the way how to reduce road traffic accident with collaboration of government and other stake holders to intervene in the road traffic accident in Ambo town.