Perceptions of Vulnerability to Road Traffic Accidents among Highway Setback Dwellers in Nigeria

Residents and squatters engaging in commercial activities on setbacks of both rural and urban highways is a common issue in Nigeria. These people frequently ignore the implications of traffic externalities, with traffic accidents being a significant source of concern. There have been countless occurrences where vehicles collided with individuals, residences, and businesses placed within the highway Right of Way (ROW) or setbacks, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. As a result, the purpose of this study is to evaluate highway setback dwellers’ perception of the impacts of and vulnerability to traffic accidents. The study was conducted in 12 settlements out of the 17 settlements located along a 72-kilometer length of the Kaduna-Zaria highway in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from 412 respondents who were the dwellers carrying out economic activities (formal and informal) within the 45-meter highway RoW from the median of the highway. The findings show that pedestrian accidents and disturbing sight of accident scenes are big problems for communities, even though occurrences of vehicles colliding with shops and houses are rare. Despite acknowledging their business susceptibility to traffic accidents, respondents rely on faith and prayers for protection, believing the site is critical to their survival. To accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 3 of guaranteeing healthy lives and fostering well-being, authorities at all levels in Nigeria must monitor and address the actions of squatters along roads, striving for economic integration and limiting the negative consequences of traffic on them.