Spatiotemporal And Population Dynamics Of Injuries And Fatalities Of Road Traffic Crashes (Rtcs) In Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) are among the leading causes of injury and death worldwide. However, the burden of RTCs is not spread evenly. Developing countries like Nigeria, which exist within the Global South, bear the brunt of RTCs. This analysis examined how road traffic crash (RTC) related injuries and deaths in Kano State varied in space and time, as well as demographic attributes from 2017 to 2024, using secondary data sourced from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Similarly, the study investigated how the distributions of crashes among individuals in years, ages, sexes, and locations varied in Kano State in Nigeria. Geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to do spatial analysis and heat mapping to find high-risk locations. An engineering audit to assess road conditions of safety at selected hotspots was carried out. Victims occur more in the dry season months, indicating a distinct seasonal pattern in the results. More than 74% of injuries in adult males were sustained, and about 79% of adult males suffered fatalities. Thus, exposure of adult males to Road Traffic Injuries (RTA is observed to be a major concern. GIS mapping revealed clusters of fatalities in places like Gaya, Kasuwar Dogo, Riruwai, while injury hotspots were found in Kofa, Dakatsalle, and Wudil Secretariat. According to the engineering audit, these locations suffered from poor road conditions, lack of signage, and limited enforcement. This study highlights the importance of utilizing spatial, demographic, and infrastructure data for a specific intervention. Recommendations are to improve the design of roads, introduce local traffic calming measures, enhance education of road users, and strengthen enforcement of traffic laws. In the end, understanding how an RTC occurs in Kano will help road safety planning bid for sustainable strategies that are evidence-based.