The Cause and Socio-Economic impacts of Road Traffic Accident in South-West Ethiopia the case of Jimma Zone

Abstract

Jimma Zone has comprehensive road network linking the different parts of the country which is prone to accident; damaging the life and property of the victims.. It highlights that RTAs are a social problem and an equity development issue. The perceived risk of fatal RTAs in Ethiopia exceeds all other risks in the country (Andrews, 2011). The productive age group is mostly affected with more males dying than females. Number of fatalities, injuries, property damage and total economic lose are increasing exponentially. The purpose of the study was to identify the causes of road traffic accidents and assess the impact on socio-economic aspects of the zone, and arrive at hot and effective counter measures that can bring about a behavioral change and upgrading road safety of the area. This study seeks to improve understanding of road traffic accidents (RTAs) on measuring the social and economic cost and their impact as an agenda for governance and development As for the nature of the title descriptive research design was employed to get both quantitative and qualitative data. It includes collecting data from traffic polices and different stake holders. Questionnaires distributed to drivers and an in-depth interview has done on traffic police, victims and drivers. Later, it was strengthened through field observations, while selection of victim were done using purposive sampling. In the selection procedure, pedestrians, drivers' characteristics age, sex and occupation difference of all interviewees were well thought-out on an active search for informal and formal information about RTAs will be done. Accurate RTA data collection and recording is needed for designing strategies and understanding RTAs risks. This research should be done to establish knowledge gaps on RTAs.