APPRAISAL OF SPATIAL PATTERN OF ROAD ACCIDENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE.

ABSTRACT This research examines the spatial pattern of road accidents and its implications for public safety in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify the major causes of road accidents, analyze the spatial distribution of accident-prone areas, and assess the level of public awareness and institutional response to road safety issues. A total of 200 structured questionnaires were administered to drivers, pedestrians, residents, and road safety personnel across selected high- traffic areas in Ilorin, including Offa Garage, Tanke, and Challenge. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that human factors—such as driver distraction, over-speeding, poor road ethics, and lack of proper safety education—are the primary causes of road accidents. Environmental and infrastructural issues, including poor road conditions, inadequate signage, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure, also contribute significantly. The study also found that although some efforts are being made by student groups and traffic management agencies, public awareness on road safety is still relatively low, and enforcement remains weak. The spatial analysis indicated that certain locations, particularly major road intersections and commercial areas, experience a higher incidence of accidents. The research concludes that improving road infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and intensifying public education campaigns are essential for reducing road accidents and enhancing public safety in Ilorin. It recommends stronger collaboration between traffic agencies, community groups, and educational institutions to implement sustainable safety strategies.