An Investigation on the Factors Leading to Fatal Road Accidents among Commercial Taxi Drivers along Jinja- Kampala Highway in Uganda.

Abstract

This study “an investigation on the factors leading to fatal road accidents among commercial taxi drivers along Jinja-Kampala high way in Uganda” was aimed at establishing the factors leading to fatal road traffic accidents among commercial taxi drivers along Jinja- Kampala high way. It was operated on the following objectives; to establish factors that influence fatal road traffic accidents among commercial taxi drivers along Jinja- Kampala high way, identify cause of fatal road accidents among commercial taxi drivers along the Jinja- Kampala highway and investigate the presence and preparedness of the rescue teams in handling victims of fatal road accidents among commercial taxi drivers along the Jinja- Kampala highway. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach to collect descriptive quantitative data from 105 respondents using structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS package. The study revealed that the major factors for fatal road traffic accidents among commercial taxi drivers along Jinja- Kampala highway were mainly behavioural factors that are: reckless driving at 24%, lack of driving experience 16%, over-speeding 12%, and alcoholism 12% among others. It was safe to conclude that most of the major factors for fatal road traffic accidents among commercial taxi drivers along Jinj- Kampala highway are behavioural based and therefore, interventions should; focus on behavioural change first. All drivers of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles (taxi drivers), should participate in refresher driver training courses so that the inevitable bad habits acquired can be reduced at a relatively early state. The following recommendations were drawn; there is need of government to improve the living standards of traffic regulators and enforcers. Better living standards of such people will affect the public and government view on risk and safety culture and also reduce bribery and corruption.