Assessment of Traffic Safety Problems and Awareness of Road Users, the Case of Shashemene Town

Abstract

Now days, road traffic accidents are one of the public health problems all over the worlds especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study was conducted using both descriptive and analytical methods. The sampling method used for this research was purposive sampling methods and the population represents this study was selected arbitrary. According to the finding of these research, the current road traffic safety problems of shashemene town are lack of awareness of pedestrians on traffic rule, lack of drivers skill, poor enforcement of law, insufficient speed breaker, width of road way, width of bridge, poor road side furniture, insufficient road safety consideration, drivers not respecting others road users, excessive speed, failure to give priority for pedestrians, risky overtaking, following each other’s too closely and not respecting right hand rule are some of the variable that cause traffic accidents. Based on the vehicle type, the majority of accident is caused by dry freight vehicle (Isuzu, Sino and FSR) which covers 44%, transport bus which covers 28%, Minibus 14.5%, motor cycle 7% taxi 3.6 and cart covers 3%. the researcher also found that the major accident happen at study area is by human error (89%) and the other are due to road problems, mechanical problems and environmental problems. According to vulnerability of road users to RTA, are categorized in to pedestrians 46.7%, passengers 20.7%, drivers 14.5%, motorcyclist 6.9%, cyclist and others covers 9.65%. the researcher also identified black spot area and contributing factor of RTA at those areas. Accordingly the major traffic crashes are occurs on Kuyera road which covers 24%, on kofele road 18%, 13% on Alaba road, exit of Awassa road 7% and also tekliye, kebele 010 around gomista 7%, around Dadimos College 4% and in front of dr. urgessa clinic 7% and zerihun garage covers 5% from all the accident. Most of the traffic accident caused on this area is due to speed, not giving priority for pedestrians, lack of awareness on road traffic safety, due to poor law enforcement, due to driver’s error (concerning skill and in attentiveness, driving after they take drug like chat and shisha) narrowness of the carriage way, absence of pedestrian’s walkway and lack of road side furniture’s.