ASSESSING THE SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Road traffic crash In the Wa Municipality has been persistent over the years. It is undoubtedly common and one of the most threat to health, social, economic and human existence. Reconstruction of the road in the Wa Municipality has begun since 2015 with a comprehensive and elaborate road safety measures, aimed at treatment of known road traffic crashes black spots and other crash prone locations to reduce road traffic crashes. The study, contrary to public perception, shows that the number of road traffic crashes still persists. Road traffic crashes have become a global phenomenon and Ghana is no exception. This has been supported by the declaration of the UN that the third of Sunday of November as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims day. The target population involved commercial drivers, motorcycle riders, traffic victims. Data were collected from institutions considered to be directly involved in the administration of road safety management. In addition 130 respondents in the road industry were also interviewed and questionnaires were also administered. The selection of the respondents was done using the purposive sampling techniques. In analysing the data, study employed some graphical presentation tools like charts, graphs and pie charts. The results obtained from the study indicated that there is a strong positive relationship between NRSC and other agencies in the Wa Municipality. The study revealed that the overall reduction in road traffic crashes in the Wa Municipality was from 2012 to 2015, with a total of 456. In addition, the agencies have been very strategic in an approach to implement the rules and regulations. Some challenges such as finance and logistics; user agencies ability to accept; annual increases in numbers; interferences in the implementing the rules and regulations, vulnerability of staff and legal constraints, were identified. The study concludes with a number of recommendations, which would help in the efficient management of road traffic crashes in the Wa Municipality. In conclusion, lack of logistics, personnel and notoriety of road users perpetuated a challenge