Assessing the contribution of Speed Governor in reduction of Road Traffic Accident in Kamonyi District

Abstract

In Rwanda, road traffic accidents have been observed as a big concern with injury and death being one of the major issues as well as other countries. To overcome this, in September 2016, the regulatory body launched speed governor device in trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles to control road deaths resulting from speeding. This study entitled assessing the contribution of speed governor in reduction of road traffic accidents in Kamonyi district aims at evaluating the impact of speed governor in reduction of road traffic accidents at Kamonyi District RN1 road. To achieve this objective, the study used both primary and monthly records of road accidents occurred in RN1 road from 2010 to 2021. Primary data were collected using questionnaires filled by drivers of mentioned cars with speed governor installed using RN1 and four companies supplying speed governors. To complement information from questionnaires, officers from District Police Unity (DPU), staff from RURA who are concerned with day to day use of speed governors in Rwanda, some people who were the victims of vehicles over speeding were interviewed and the total sample size including those who filled questionnaires was 202. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS and both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used. The research findings from this study showed that, speed governor has significantly reduced the number of road traffic accidents in RN1 road Kamonyi District. However, there are numerous challenges like internet connection, network coverage, some drivers who deliberately disconnect this device for personal gain, and there is lack of policy regulating the use of speed governor in Rwanda. In addition, findings indicate some other factors that reduce road accidents like regular vehicle inspection, adherence to road signs, traffic enforcement cameras, and regular vehicle control, to mention but few.