The Road Traffic Safety Enforcement Practices and Challenges in Selected Urban of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The primary objective of this study was to assess the practices and challenges associated with enforcing road traffic safety in selected urban areas of the Oromia National Regional State. Descriptive research design was employed for the study. To analyze the data, samples were used, and the Taro Yemane formula was employed to determine the quantitative data respondents' sample size, while data saturation was utilized for qualitative data.

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to assess the practices and challenges associated with enforcing road traffic safety in selected urban areas of the Oromia National Regional State. Descriptive research design was employed for the study. To analyze the data, samples were used, and the Taro Yemane formula was employed to determine the quantitative data respondents' 
sample size, while data saturation was utilized for qualitative data. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through interviews and questionnaires using purposive and simple random sampling, respectively. The collected quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study revealed that drivers and passengers in the study area had accessed and normally used seat belts, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. However, a significant number of drivers in the study area lacked professional discipline and driving skills. The study also found that creating a program that raised community awareness through media campaigns and road safety campaigns was a moderately effective practice in the study area. The personnel of the Transport Agency and the Traffic Police professionals employed to enforce traffic safety laws and regulations on transportation routes were found to be inadequate. The study concludes by recommending that the traffic police division and other relevant sectors should monitor the technical quality and service years of vehicles, traffic congestion, and road infrastructure. These measures can enhance road safety enforcement in the study area and promote more efficient traffic management to reduce the high number of road traffic accident.