A STUDY INTO FREQUENT INCIDENCE OF VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS IN THE BIRIM CENTRAL MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

The study examines the performance of drivers in the Birim Central Municipality. The aim of the study is to assess the educational levels of the drivers and how it affects the performance of their work. The study would serve as a guide for stakeholders of road transport to ensure that the driving profession does not become a haven for illiterates. The research questions are therefore based on the educational levels of drivers in the Birim Central Municipality and how it affects their performance. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population consists ofeighty (80) drivers, twenty (20) drivers‘ mates, fifty (50) car owners, fifty (50) 

vehicle mechanics (fitters), fifty (50) passengers of public transport, randomly selected, the municipal director of DVLA and a Chief Inspector of Police-MTTU.A set of questionnaires was prepared and used to collect data for the study. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v16). The study revealed that majority (56%) do not know the highway codes. It also revealed that a significant number (36%) are illiterate contributing to the frequent incidence of road accidents in the Municipality. The study also uncovered that almost98% of all illiterate drivers are commercial drivers. Most importantly, more than half (57%) agreed that illiteracy causes road accidents. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in collaboration of driving schools should establish an informal training centre to train prospective drivers effectively on the road signs, and traffic regulations before issuing them with driving license. Again, the DVLA should expand the driving tests to include new driver‘s behaviour during emergencies, and their hazard perception and also insist on literacy as part of requirements for the acquisition of driving licence. Moreover, Drivers should avoid driving at excessive speeds and reckless overtaking on the road and observe traffic regulations at all times.