Reaction behaviour of drivers to marked and unmarked road: Ghana perspective

Abstract

Africa is the leading continent globally in the rate of road traffic fatalities, yet it is the least motorized compared to the other five continents. This predicament is said to be one of the leading cause of death among youth and generally, rated as one of the ten causes of death in the world. Exclusively, Ghana’s rate of traffic fatalities is growing despite the efforts invested in reducing it. Nevertheless, more focus needs to be invested in the traffic control systems such as traffic signals, signs or road markings. As this system tends to considerably reduce the number of conflicts and minimize road user’s errors. Furthermore, this system creates drivers’ expectations of the conditions which they will meet ahead and the driving tasks required. If misleading information is provided, or none is available, hazardous situations can result.  Overall, this traffic system is inadequate or lacking in most developing countries as there are no proper maintenance strategies in place. Thus, this study investigates and evaluates the reaction of drivers to the marked and unmarked roads. Using random quantitative sampling methods, Ghanaian drivers were interviewed on their experiences when driving on the marked and unmarked road. Overall, this study will highlight the necessity of road markings in reducing traffic fatality rate and the psychological effect of the unavailability of road marking on drivers’ expectation and consequently, the effect on their behaviour in most developing countries.