Road Traffic Accidents in Nigeria: A PublicHealth Problem

BACKGROUND: There is generally increasing incidence, morbidity and mortality rates of road traffic accidents. Majority of mortalities and morbidities occur in developing countries. METHODOLOGY: A review of literature on road traffic accident and its impact was done. The articles were accessed from public libraries, as well as online through internet search engines and relevant information extracted. RESULTS: Worldwide, road traffic accidents lead to death and disability as well as financial cost to both society and the individual involved. The causes of road traffic accidents are not just human error or driver negligence. Unfortunately,Nigerian highways are arguably one of the worst and most dangerous in the world. CONCLUSION: Road traffic accident in Nigeria has not received the attention warranted. There is need to view road traffic accident as an issue that needs urgent attention aimed at reducing the health, social and economic impacts.