The study examines the trend of highway accidents in Nigeria on state basis by comparing the accident data for the periods 1996-1998 and 2005-2007 using Highway Accident Hazard Index (AHI).
In the study, states with AHI greater than one are classified as High Accident Locations (HAL) where safety programmes need to be intensified. The study shows that Gombe, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Adamawa, Rivers, Enugu, Bayelsa, Plateau, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Osun and Ogun states and the Federal Capital Territory are HAL, while seven states which include Anambra, Edo, Lagos, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger and Nasarrawa have improved on their accident fatality rate.
Overall the study shows that the fatality accident rate in Nigeria increased in 2005-2007 study period when compared with the period 1996-1998 as 18 states are HAL in 2005-2007 when compared with 14 states that are HAL in 1996-1998 study period. Measures suggested for the reduction of casualties on Nigerian roads include promoting safer road use through training and enforcement of road traffic laws, provision of safer road infrastructures among others.