Epidemiology of Motor Vehicle Accidents in a Developing Country — A Case of Oyo State of Nigeria

Abstract

IN this paper morbidity and mortality data from motor vehicle accidents (MVA) or road traffic accidents (RTA) as known in the West and other epidemiological variables of the MVA in Oyo State of Nigeria, between 1979 to 1982, were studied. Popula tion exposure to severe MVA during the period was 34/100,000 of which 7.4 per the same population died. Over two-thirds of the MVA occur among children and young adults. More accidents occur during the Christmas and Easter periods of the year and weekends. There were no seasonal variations in the pattern of the accidents. Commercial vehicles were responsible for a significant proportion of the accidents. The primary causes of the MVA were the drivers who lacked proper driving education, who were often impatient on the wheels, inexperienced and drunk.