Road accidents in Maseru, Lesotho and their impact on socio-economic development

Abstract

The study focuses on the factors that contribute to the high rate of road accidents in Maseru city between 2007 and 2010. The objectives of the study are to: • Identify the factors contributing to road accidents in Maseru • Assess the impact of road accidents on the lives of survivors and affected families • Determine the financial and economic costs of road accidents • Identify the strategies used to reduce road accidents in Maseru. The researcher used a mixed method approach by using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In this context data was collected mainly through the use of semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings reflect that various factors contribute to road accidents. These have been identified as, pedestrians' ignorance of road sign; pedestrians' non-compliance with road regulations; drivers' reckless driving; and poor road conditions. The research also shows that road accidents have a negative impact on the lives of road accident survivors and their families. In particular the findings reflect that road accident survivors find themselves unable to perform effectively their tasks at work due to disability; they are not able to move freely at their work places; some lose jobs due to accident disability; and they are rejected by their families and colleagues. The negative impact of road accidents is not only socially inclined, it is also economic. A road accident survivor, who has become an invalid, requires continued support. Members of families who support survivors spend time with them hence do not become engaged in other activities that generate income for the family. The costs of frequent visits to doctors strain the family financial resources and the state funds become depleted as medication is provided to the survivors. The study has identified strategies used to curb road accidents around Maseru as being three-fold: education, law enforcement and engineering. Traffic officials provide education to the public and road users through various forms of media. The department also develops and publishes Acts to regulate drivers' behavior on the roads. The researcher recommends that the traffic department should keep records on the causes of accidents so that they should develop relevant solutions There should also be continued training for all road users and that, the traffic officials should follow-up training provided to assess its impact. The study further recommends that imported vehicles be assessed for road-worthiness and traffic officials be provided with equipment to monitor behavior of drivers on the roads. Further studies on road accidents should be undertaken as comparative studies of causes of road accidents between Maseru city and other smaller towns. This study may enlighten decision makers on the significance of different causes of road accidents and help them in designing strategies to solve the problem. Another study could focus on the type of support that should be given to families of road accident victims and/or road accident survivors themselves. While the study will not contribute towards reducing the number of road accidents, it will at least help with measures to mitigate their negative impact.