Analysis of Freight Vehicle Crashes in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Freight vehicle crashes are typically associated with high severity because over half of truck crashes end in fatalities or serious injuries. The study analysed freight vehicle crashes in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Data on freight vehicles involved in road traffic crashes and casualties (2014 to 2021) were obtained from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, Kogi State Command. The data were summarised using frequency distribution tables, simple percentages, and charts, while hypotheses were tested using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Simple Linear Regression Analysis. The analysis of the freight vehicle composition in road traffic crashes showed that heavy-duty trucks (trailers, tankers, and containers) have the highest (94%) share. Light-duty trucks (freight tricycles, pick-ups, and small vans) recorded a share of 4%, while medium-duty trucks (lorries, tippers) constituted the least proportion (2%). The analysis also revealed that only 48.1% of the variation in traffic casualties can be explained by freight vehicle crashes. However, freight vehicle crashes significantly predict traffic casualties, F (1, 95) = 87.032, P <.001. Therefore, for every unit increase in freight vehicle crashes, the traffic casualties increased by 2.076 in the study area. Continuous drivers’ enlightenment and strict enforcement of traffic rules by relevant authorities were recommended to reduce the risk of freight vehicle crashes in the study area.