TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ROAD SAFETY COMPLIANCE IN GUSAU METROPOLIS

Abstract

Previous studies have focused on the impact of traffic violations, attitude of drivers, types of violations, and demographic characteristics of victims. However, researchers have neglected  the evaluation of the effectiveness of traffic policing in curbing traffic violations. Therefore,  this study examined traffic policing and traffic violations from the perspective of the law  enforcement agents in the metropolis. The study adopted the rational choice theory, which  states that offenders decide to break the law after juxtaposing the benefits and penalties that  would result from the act when committed. Exploratory research design was adopted for the  study. Data were elicited from 39 officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission and traffic  wardens of the Nigeria Police using in-depth interviews (IDIs). The data were thematically  analyzed. Findings show that violation of traffic rules was widespread in the study area. 
Consequent to traffic offenders’ perception of traffic policing as unacceptable regulation, the  offenders have foiled traffic rule enforcement in the area through masterminded mob attacks on  the law enforcers. Due to foiled traffic rule enforcement in the metropolis, traffic rules were  violated without prosecution. The study also found that enforcing fines for traffic offenses was adversely affected by “homeland claim” and poverty. The study concludes that traffic law  enforcement in the metropolis has failed to prevent traffic rule violations in the metropolis,  owing to strategies adopted by offenders to thwart traffic rule enforcement. Among other  things, the study recommends an urgent organization of extensive orientation/reorientation and enlightenment programmes for the drivers in the metropolis.