An Observational Study of Road Safety around Selected Primary Schools in Ibadan Municipality; Oyo State; Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

"Background/ Objective: Child pedestrians have been identified as vulnerable road users. Although walking as a means of transport has health and other benefits; it exposes children to the risk of road traffic injuries. This study was conducted to assess the availability of road safety features around government-owned primary schools in Ibadan municipality. Materials and Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 46 of the 74 schools in the study area. Some (11) of the selected schools were sited within the same premises and shared a common entrance; thus a total of 35 school premises were eventually observed. Trained research assistants observed the school environment around the selected schools for road safety features such as location of schools; presence of ""school""; ""child crossing"" and ""speed limit"" road signs; and presence of traffic calming devices (road bumps or zebra crossing). Results: Five (14) of the schools were located on major roads and eight (23) had road signs indicating that a school was nearby. Seven (20) had road bumps close to the school; 15 (43) had a warden who assisted children to cross; and none had a zebra crossing. Five (14) schools had pedestrian sidewalks. Conclusions: The study revealed that the environment around a number of the observed schools in the municipality compromised the pupils' road safety. The local government; school authorities; parents; and road safety professionals need to institute definite measures to enhance the road safety environment around schools in the municipality."