university of ghana spatio-temporal analysis of road traffic accident on the accra-tema motorway

194 Pages·2016·4.79 MB·English

University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF ROAD TRAFFIC
ACCIDENT ON THE ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY:
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

BY

GUMAH, GEORGE
(10227422)

THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA,
LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR
THE AWARD OF MPHIL GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT DEGREE

MARCH, 2015
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work. To the best of my knowledge, it contains no
material previously published by another person, nor material which has been accepted for the
award of any other degree from the University of Ghana, except where due acknowledgement
has been made in-text.

…………………….. Date:………………………...
Gumah, George
(10227422)

SUPERVISORS

……………..……….. Date: ……………………….

Professor S. T. Addo
(Principal Supervisor)

……………………… Date: ……………………….
Dr. Alex Barimah Owusu
(Co-Supervisor)

i
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
DEDICATION
This thesis is dedicated to the Almighty God. I also dedicate it to my late father, Mr. Raymond
Gumah; my mother, Lardi Gumah; my Uncle, Professor Gabriel Abudu and all my siblings –
Charlse, Faustina, Clemencia, Helen and Ruby. I also dedicate this thesis to all the many lives
that are lost through Road Traffic Accidents and their families.

ii
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I acknowledge my supervisors, Professor S. T. Addo and Dr. Alex Barimah Owusu for not only
being my research supervisors, but also being very patient and understanding during very trying
times of this work. I am immensely grateful for their wisdom and guidance.
I wish to express my appreciation to the lecturers of the Department of Geography and Resource
Development, University of Ghana for their tremendous contribution in shaping my academic
aspiration. My profound gratitude also goes to the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) laboratory assistants, especially Mr. Peter Ofori-Atta and Mr. Benjamin Kissi
for all the support they gave me during the period of study.
My special thanks go to all the commanders and inspectors in the MTTU national office, the
Airport Police Station and the Ashaiman Police station of the Ghana Police Service. I want to
also express my appreciation to the officials at the survey section of the Ghana Highways
Authority, the administrator and officials of the Driver and Vehicle and Licencing Authority
(DVLA), Greater Accra Regional office. My appreciation also goes to the Librarian and the
staff of the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI). Many thanks to Mr. Abraham Zaato
of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC).
My appreciation also goes to Samuel, Boakye and Natasha for their assistance in the
questionnaires survey and pedestrians interview. I appreciate Professor Felix Asante of ISSER,
Dr. Osman and Joanna Desbordes Acquah for their encouragement and support in diverse ways.

iii
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
ABSTRACT
Road transport faces a host of challenges with road traffic accidents (RTA) being notable among
them and RTAs are well-known for causing most deaths in many countries. The main objective
of this study was to analyse the spatio-temporal pattern of RTAs on the Accra-Tema Motorway
and the extent to which motor vehicle drivers contribute to accident on the motorway. The
Haddon Matrix and the Systems Theories were applied to give a holistic view of RTAs. The
cross-sectional research design of the Accra-Tema Motorway for the period of three years
(2011-2013) was developed. Forty questionnaires were distributed to taxi and minibus drivers
through a multi-stage sampling, while 40 private car drivers and 40 passengers were also
purposively sampled for the study. Seven key informants from five stakeholder institutions and
10 pedestrians were also interviewed.
The kernel density analysis performed showed there was an increase in the number of accident
black spots (location of high accident frequency) on the motorway from six medium spots and
one high spot in 2011 to seven medium and two high spots in 2013. The major causes of RTAs
at the black spots identified on the Accra-Tema Motorway are the many illegal routes along the
motorway, especially at the abattoir area and at the several U-turns at different locations. A
total of 47.4% of passengers responded that drivers’ attitude and the car’s condition were the
major causes of RTA on the motorway. RTAs usually occur when it rains and this was
confirmed by the 79.2% response from drivers. Most drivers do not have a routine check of
their vehicles so that only 45 out of the 120 respondents had a routine check of their vehicle.
The majority (78.3%) of drivers strongly disagree that it is proper to drive above the speed limit.
Pedestrians cross the motorway indiscriminately, some routinely, and this has increased the rate
of RTAs on the motorway. Most of the pedestrians interviewed acknowledged that they were
unaware of the illegality of using the motorway though they were not ignorant about the
dangers. All illegal routes should be blocked and wrongful use of the motorway discouraged.
Overpasses should be constructed for pedestrians to cross from one side of the motorway to the
other and service routes should be constructed along the motorway that vehicles entering or
exiting can use. There is the need for the provision and accurate positioning of road signs to
make the use of the motorway safe. Drivers and other road users should be well educated to
understand the rules and regulations on the motorway and also for the need to repair their
vehicles routinely.
iv
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE
DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................... i
DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................. iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................v
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................ xi
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................ xiii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..............................................................xv

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................1
1.1 Background to the Study .......................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................................................................4
1.3 Research Questions ...............................................................................................................6
1.4 Aims and Objectives .............................................................................................................6
1.5 Proposition ............................................................................................................................7
1.6 Rationale for the Study..........................................................................................................7
1.7 Scope of Study ......................................................................................................................8
1.8 Limitations of the Study ........................................................................................................9
1.9 Organisation of the Study .....................................................................................................9

CHAPTER TWO: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..........................................................11
2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................11
2.2 Accra-Tema Motorway (Location and Site Observation) ...................................................11
v
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
2.2.1 Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics of the Area ..................................14
2.2.2 Modern Health Facilities ..............................................................................................14
2.3 Research Philosophy ...........................................................................................................15
2.4 Research Design ..................................................................................................................17
2.5 Research Techniques ...........................................................................................................17
2.6 Data Collection Methods ....................................................................................................18
2.6.1 Secondary Data Collection ...........................................................................................18
2.6.2 Primary Data Collection ...............................................................................................19
2.6.3 GIS Data and Processes ................................................................................................21
2.7 Sampling/Selection Size and Technique .............................................................................25
2.8 Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................28
2.8.1 GIS Data Analysis ........................................................................................................28
2.8.2 Remote Sensing Data Analysis ....................................................................................29

CHAPTER THREE: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .......................................31
3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................31
3.2 Transport, Development and RTA ......................................................................................31
3.3 Global Patterns of RTAs .....................................................................................................32
3.3.1 Global Road Safety Strategies ......................................................................................33
3.3.3 Composition of RTA Crash Contributing Factors .......................................................36
3.3.4 Risk and Risk Taking Behaviours ................................................................................37
3.3.5 Effects of RTAs ............................................................................................................38
3.4 The Use of Geospatial Technology (RS/GIS) in the Analysis of RTAS ............................39
3.4.1 Spatial Analysis ............................................................................................................41
3.4.2 Geographic Information Systems in Transportation (GIS-T) ......................................42
vi
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
3.4.3 GIS Application in Road Safety and Cluster Identification .........................................42
3.5 Finding Solutions to RTAs .................................................................................................44
3.6 Theories of RTA .................................................................................................................48
3.5.1 Systems Theory Approach ...........................................................................................48
3.5.2 Haddon Matrix .............................................................................................................50
3.7 Conceptual Framework .......................................................................................................54

CHAPTER FOUR: SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF RTAS ..................................59
4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................59
4.2 Spatial Patterns of RTAs .....................................................................................................59
4.2.1 Cluster Analysis of RTA Locations .............................................................................61
4.2.2. Cumulative Accident Data Analysis (2011-2013) ......................................................63
4.3 Land Use and Land Cover Changes ....................................................................................64
4.3.1 Land Use and Land Cover Changes (1985-2013) ........................................................65
4.3.2 Implications of Land Use and Cover Change on RTA ................................................69
4.4 Temporal Analysis of Annual RTAs Statistics: 2011-2013 ................................................70
4.4.1 Temporal Analysis of RTA Data for Time of Day .....................................................70
4.4.2 Temporal Analysis of Data for Days of the Week .......................................................72
4.4.3 Temporal Analysis of Data for Months of the Year .....................................................74
4.5 Risks and Causes of RTAs at Accident Prone Areas ..........................................................75
4.5.1 Illegal Entries and U-Turns ..........................................................................................76
4.5.2 Indiscriminate Pedestrians Crossing ............................................................................77
4.5.3 Illegal Vehicular Stops .................................................................................................79
4.6 General Causes of Accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway ..............................................80
4.6.1 Weather Conditions on the Accra-Tema Motorway ....................................................82
vii
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
4.6.2 Light Conditions ...........................................................................................................83
4.6.3 Car Condition as a Factor of Accident Occurrence ......................................................84
4.6.4 Inadequate Information for Safe Driving .....................................................................85
4.6.5 Potholes and Cracks .....................................................................................................87

CHAPTER FIVE: DRIVERS’ RISK TAKING BEHAVIOURS AND PERCEPTION
OF POLICY EFFECTIVENESS ...........................................................................................91
5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................91
5.2 Demographic Analyses of Questionnaire Respondents ......................................................91
5.2.1 Demographic Characteristic of Drivers ........................................................................91
5.2.2 Demographic Charateristic of Passengers ....................................................................94
5.3 Risks Often Taken by Drivers .............................................................................................94
5.3.1 Frequency of Wearing Seatbelt ....................................................................................95
5.3.2 Driver’s Perception of Driving Above Speed Limit.....................................................98
5.3.3 Functioning of Speedometre ........................................................................................99
5.3.4 Perception of Drink Driving .......................................................................................101
5.4 Drivers’ Obedience to Road Safety Rules and Regulation ...............................................102
5.5 Passengers’ View of Risk..................................................................................................104
5.6 Road Users’ Perceptions of Policy Effectiveness .............................................................105
5.6.1 Road Safety Campaigns and Education .....................................................................106
5.6.2 Restrictions for Learner and Provisional Drivers .......................................................106
5.6.3 Fines for Traffic Offences ..........................................................................................107
5.6.4 Loss of Licences for Serious Offence ........................................................................108
5.6.5 Police Patrol ...............................................................................................................109
5.6.6 Random Checks for Roadworthy Vehicles ................................................................109
viii
University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
5.6.7 Identifying and Fixing Road/Traffic Hazards ............................................................110
5.6.8 Drivers Education on How to Share Road Safely ......................................................111
5.6.9 Significance Level of the Effectiveness of Road Policies ..........................................112

CHAPTER SIX: EFFECTIVENESS OF ROAD SAFETY POLICIES IN REDUCING
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ..........................................................................................114
6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................114
6.2 Background of Road Safety in Ghana ...............................................................................114
6.2.1 Act of Parliament (1999) ............................................................................................115
6.2.2 National Road Safety Strategy I (2000-2005) ............................................................115
6.2.3 National Road Safety Strategy II (2006-2010) ...........................................................116
6.2.4 National Road Safety Strategy III (2011-2020) .........................................................116
6.3 Stakeholders and their Responsibilities ............................................................................116
6.3.1 Broad Objectives of NRSS I ......................................................................................118
6.3.2 Broad Objectives of NRSS II .....................................................................................118
6.3.3 Broad Objective of NRSS III .....................................................................................119
6.4 Trends of National Road Traffic Accidents (1991-2010) .................................................119
6.5 Temporal View of Accident in the Greater Accra Region ................................................121
6.6 Temporal View of Accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway ............................................123
6.6.1 Analysis of Total RTA Cases for the Study Road ......................................................124
6.6.2 Analysis of RTA Mortalities ......................................................................................126
6.6.3 Analysis of Total Injuries for Each Phase ..................................................................127
6.7 Challenges of NRSS I And NRSS II .................................................................................128
6.8 Progress of NRSS III (2011-2013) ....................................................................................131

ix