INFLUENCE OF ROAD SAFETY SENSITIZATION PROGRAMMES ON MITIGATION OF ROAD ACCIDENTS ALONG NAKURU-TOTAL INTERCHANGE ROAD IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of driver sensitization on mitigation of road accidents along Nakuru-Total interchange road in Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the influence of driver sensitization on road quality, road signages, driver sensitization on traffic rules and regulations and serviceable motorization on mitigation of road accidents along Nakuru-Total interchange road. A descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The target population comprised 665 drivers from five PSV Saccos plying the Nakuru-Total junction road.  Stratified proportional sampling was used to determine the representative sample in each stratum while simple random sampling was used to identify the final respondents from selected sample based on the year of work experience as PSV drivers. Primary data which was collected using self-designed questionnaires was used. Validity and reliability of the data collection instruments was ascertained through pretesting. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize data. Further, inferential statistics such as correlation and Chi-Square were used to test the non-causal relationship and association. It was established that there is a significant association between driver sensitization on road quality, driver sensitization on road signage, driver sensitization on traffic rules, driver sensitization serviceable motorization and mitigation of road accidents along Nakuru-Total interchange road. PSV drivers along Nakuru-Total interchange road always keep a sight distance to observe an unexpected event on the road and some use their cell phones while driving. They overload the vehicle with a larger number agreeing that their vehicles had well breaking system. Conclusions were made that the drivers have the ability to drive on sharp turns /curves, where there are pot holes. Drivers know how to drive on a climbing lane and how to search for information while driving. It was recommended that the National Transport and Safety Authority should regularly organize seminars and workshop for PSV drivers, through their SACCOs to enhance their knowledge and awareness on how to drive on narrow roads, steep slopes, and sharp turns.