ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES IN NIGERIA: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES.

Accident don't just happen, they are caused. In other words, every accident in relation transport is not just a mere occurrence but has been instituted as a result of one factor or the other. The increasing magnitude of fatal road traffic accident globally has been attributed to population explosion and increased level of motorization. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in adolescent and people in the prime age. There has been an upsurge in the proportion and absolute number of traffic fatalities witnessed in a number of developing countries while the industrial nations are witnessing downward trend in the occurrence of accident by more than 20% [13]. This paper examines road traffic accident problems in Nigeria. The causes of accidents and their general preventive measures are discussed. There is need to view road traffic accident as a very serious issue requiring urgent attention aimed at preventing untimely deaths, reducing the health, social and economic impacts it portends to the average Nigerian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]