Empirical analysis of Road Safety policy adherence in Nigeria: Seat belt use

Abstract

This research assesses the rate at which road users adhere seat belt use while driving on Nigerian roads, a policy of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Accidents are undesirable. Knowledge of the level of adherence to this FRSC Policy meant to make the road safer is vital. The study span the whole of Nigeria (except the Northeastern Nigeria due to security challenges) using major corridors (highways) that link the six geo-political zones with special interest given to some cities or town along these corridors. Traffic study was done along these corridors from 7am-5pm and the result showed that the use of seatbelts recorded an average of 58 percent level of compliance for car traffic and 60 percent for BATs traffic. It was also noted that the level of compliance dropped during the weekend and FRSC patrols were more on some routes than others which could be a part reason for variation in compliance levels