Road Traffic Accidents In Ghana: Examining Road User Attitude and Behaviour

Abstract

Abstract Road traffic accident (RTA) has become a major developmental challenge in Ghana. It is the second leading cause of death in the country after malaria, and also come with immeasurable economic and public health effects. This qualitative study based on grounded theory method and comprising in-depth interviews was used to examine the road user attitude and behaviour in relation with road traffic accidents in Ghana. 27 adult participants (male: n = 19; female: n = 8; age range: 18-50 years) consisting of traffic police officers (n = 11), drivers (n = 4), motor riders (n = 4), and pedestrians (n = 8) were purposively sampled, and interviewed using semi-structured interview guides. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: 1) road is not meant for only transport, 2) commitment to road traffic law enforcement, 3) knowledge of traffic rules and regulations, and 4) fatigue. The study concluded, with a substantive grounded theory - the small picture theory, that the complex interaction among social relations, social need, and the now effect, combine to render road traffic law enforcement ineffective and resulting in the ultimate failure of road traffic interventions in the country. The findings of this study are very significant for stakeholders in the road traffic management in their quest to make Ghana a country with the safest road transportation system in Africa.