An in-depth analysis of head-on crash severity and fatalities in Ghana

Head-on collisions are often linked to more serious injuries compared to other types of crashes, due to the intense impact they cause. In low- and middle-income countries, these collisions frequently involve high occupancy public transportation vehicles, leading to higher fatality rates per crash. Given the high risk of injury and potential for multiple casualties, this study delves into the factors influencing the outcomes of head-on crashes and the number of fatalities in Ghana. The study analyzed six years of historical head-on collision data from Ghana and developed two models to address the issue. The injury-severity analysis was performed using a random parameter multinomial logit with heterogeneity in means and variances approach and aimed to identify the factors that have a significant impact on the severity of injuries sustained in head-on collisions, while the random parameters negative binomial fatality count model was designed to examine the factors that contribute to the number of fatalities in these crashes in the country. Results showed that head-on collisions with drivers over 65, buses, motorcycles, and those between 25 and 65 years of age were more likely to result in fatalities. Speeding and vehicle malfunctions were also found to be significant contributing factors to fatal head-on collisions. Head-on crashes involving minibuses and incidents where the driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle were found to be more likely to result in a higher number of fatalities. The results of this study uncover an intriguing interaction between human-related elements and socioeconomic factors, which pose obstacles to the Government's endeavor to upgrade the major highways in the country. Additionally, the increasing need for transportation has led to the presence of vehicles on the roads that may not meet safety standards. Consequently, it is no surprise that several of the study's findings align with expectations. Nevertheless, within the specific context of Ghana, these findings furnish compelling data-driven evidence supporting the adoption and implementation of the safe systems approach as a means to tackle fatal head-on collisions in the country.

A comprehensive study of child pedestrian crash outcomes in Ghana

Pedestrians are considered as one of the vulnerable road user groups. Among pedestrians of all ages, children are the most at risk. Previous studies have shown that children have inadequate knowledge of road safety and are unable to identify risks on road. Despite these limitations associated with children, society places the burden on them to protect themselves. However, to be able to adequately address child pedestrian safety issues there is the need to understand the factors that influence their crash involvement and severity of injury they sustain. To address this gap, this study performed a comprehensive analysis of historical crash data in Ghana to find holistic countermeasures for these crashes. The study used five years of child pedestrian (below 10 years) crash records obtained from the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) in Ghana. A temporal analysis of the data revealed that the highest number of the crashes coincide with when school-going children go to and close from school. A random parameter multinomial logit model was developed to identify crash variables that are significantly associated with child pedestrian crash outcomes. The estimation results revealed that children are likely to be killed in crashes when the driver is speeding and inattentive. Also, it was found that children walking along the road, crossing the road, and those in urban areas are more susceptible to incapacitating injury crashes. Male drivers accounted for 95.8% of child pedestrian crashes, and crashes involving male drivers are 7.8% more likely to be fatal. The findings from this study provide a deeper, data-driven understanding of child pedestrian crashes and how temporal characteristics, vehicle type, location of pedestrian, traffic operation, and environmental and human factors affect crash outcomes. These findings will help in developing countermeasures like providing conspicuous pedestrian crossings, footbridges on multi-lane high-speed roadways, and the use of school buses to convey students to help mitigate the number and severity of child pedestrian crashes in Ghana, and by extension other countries in the sub-region.

Pedestrian risky behavior and safety at zebra crossings in a Ghanaian metropolitan area

OBJECTIVE

This article assesses pedestrian behavior and safety at zebra crossings in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

METHOD

A mix of a naturalistic exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using both primary and secondary data. The primary data included an observational study of over 6,000 pedestrians using zebra crossings in the metropolis. The secondary data were obtained from the national road traffic crashes (RTCs) database at the Building and Road Research Institute covering information on pedestrian crashes between 2007 and 2016 in the metropolis. Analyses were conducted using frequencies and percentages with Pearson's chi-square correlation used to establish the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the majority of the 328 pedestrian crashes between 2007 and 2016 resulted in either fatalities or serious injuries and occurred at locations away from a junction. Most of the pedestrians observed used the zebra crossing were alone and engaged in talking or using mobile phone. Age group, pedestrian status, and the location of the zebra crossings influenced pedestrians' risky behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the pedestrian crashes in the metropolis resulted in injuries resulting in hospitalization or fatalities and occurred at a midblock. Pedestrians largely exhibited risky behaviors predisposing the occurrence of RTCs at zebra crossings despite the fact that they are a pedestrian right-of-way. There is therefore the need for the National Road Safety Commission to carry out campaigns to educate pedestrians on the safer use of zebra crossings.

Occupants' seatbelt use are related to vehicle type and usage on a Ghanaian university campus

Seat belt use does not only save lives but prevents the severity of injuries in road traffic crashes (RTCs). Vehicle type and usage have been found to influence the use of seat belt in cities like Kumasi, the host of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus. This paper presents a study on an un-obstructive survey of seat belt use by vehicle occupants entering and leaving KNUST campus through the four entrances from 7 to 9 am and 3 to 5 pm on five weekdays. A total of 5489 vehicles with 9542 occupants comprising 5489 drivers, front-right and first back seat and second back seat passengers were observed. The majority of the private and SUV drivers used seat belts. Meanwhile, almost all the commercial drivers did not use seat belts. There is a statistically significant relationship between vehicle type and use and the use of seat belt in KNUST.

Understanding road traffic risks from the street hawker's perspective

This study explored street hawkers' lived experiences and risks in traffic using the phenomenological case study design. Data from 24 hawkers at three hawking spots and field observations form the basis of our study. A stratified purposeful sampling scheme was employed to ensure a balance of gender and age. Thematic data analytic strategy was employed in the data analysis. We found that participants' traffic incidents were mainly self-induced, attributable to their negligence on the road, indiscriminate road crossing and car-following behaviour. Our results suggest a perceived relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and personal traffic accident encounters. Also, we noted that the ability to manage traffic risk seem to influence hawkers' traffic risk perceptions, with gender and age as possible mediators. As this study is exploratory, we recommend further scientific enquiry to explain these issues and to provide the basis for appropriate interventions to manage the road safety implications of this activity.