Traffic Police road checkpoints and reduction of road accidents/crashes: A case study of Gasabo District

Abstract

This study explores traffic police road checkpoint and reduction of the road traffic accidents in Gasabo District. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the causes of road traffic accidents and examine the relationship between traffic checkpoints and road traffic crashes; to formulate strategies aimed at reducing road traffic accidents. The methodology used quasi experimental research approach and qualitative approach. Total population was 900 Traffic Police Officers and drivers. The stratified and simple random sampling techniques were applied to select 90 respondents. Findings indicated the causes of road traffic crashes and the relationship between traffic checkpoints and road traffic crashes which confirmed by the presence of the police officer on the traffic police checkpoints that reminds road users traffic rules and regulation and how to comply. Traffic and Road Safety department doesn‟t deploy checkpoints to the rural roads in which might be the cause of many accidents/crashes, Gasabo is more habited, with many cars and many roads that are small, also traffic and road safety department is not able to deploy check points which leads to the occurrence of traffic accidents/crashes. Gasabo district in more habited with many cars that contributes to the causes of accidents. Gasabo district have long range drive roads that influence the occurrences of accidents. Findings present the strategies aimed at reducing road traffic accidents applying holistic education to the road user to change the mindset, Infrastructure development, Employment of the more technology, Capacity building to traffic and road safety staffs and equip them with modern equipment. Drivers should abide with traffic rules and regulations, to ensure good condition of the vehicle. They should interpret thoroughly terrain and weather while driving. Police officers must have purpose for being at checkpoint with the checklist to be observed to reduce road accident; Police officers should control checkpoint effectively and ensure safety to avoid accident. Finally, some recommendations relevant to identified challenges were proposed to the government of Rwanda, Rwanda National Police and the general public.