The rising incidence of road traffic accident nowadays is alarming. In an article suitable for publication in an international magazine, discuss at least three factors responsible for this and suggest ways of dealing with the problem.

ROAD ACCIDENTS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

There are many means of transportation namely road, rail, water and air. Road transport appears to be the most commonly used among them. It is affordable when compared with both  water and air transport. Flexibility in its routes and simple construction mode make it most convenient.

Road accidents are no more news because of their frequency. The carnage on our roads  has become worrisome to the citizenry. One now wonders why what ought to benefit us is causing untimely death of all and sundry.  The causes of road accidents are manyh and something urgent should be doe to stem the tide.

Many drivers are illiterate. They are unable  to read and write. This explains why unnecessary overtaking at comers, zebra crossings, etc. happens. The problem is further compounded by ;the nature of road signs which cannot be easily deciphered by these group of drivers.

Another cause of road accidents is drug abuse. Drivers are often intoxicated with alcohol and some  hard d***s before driving and sometimes during journeys. Drug peddlers are many, hawking one drug or the other. Local gin sellers place their wares openly at bus stops waiting for potential buyers.

The state of our roads is another cause. In developed world, roads are regularly maintained but the reverse is the case in Nigeria. In fact, some partitions of our so called express roads are often swept away by erosion yet, these portions are left unattended to until accidents happen. Potholes are so numerous that we have taken them as part of our roads. Before everybody dies in numerous fatal accidents, something constructive ought to be done. The solution to the problem must be collective rather than being put on the hands of government alone.

The licensing authority should ensure that before a driver’s license is issued, the applicant must be taught all the road signs and symbols and he must show practical evidence of understanding. Hawking of d***s, and local gins in and around motor parks must be banned. It is not enough to legislate against its sale but it must be enforced. Government on her part should maintain our roads, road safety corps should be drafted to patrol our roads and toll gates may be erected on some major roads with a view to using the proceeds for the repair of roads.