Pedestrian Knockdowns Rise on Nigerian Roads

Road safety authorities and transport experts have raised serious concerns over the rising number of pedestrian knockdowns and fatalities on major Nigerian roads, warning that vulnerable road users are increasingly at risk amid worsening driver behaviour, speeding, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

Also Read: Why Nigerian Pedestrians Face the Highest Risk on the Roads

Findings by RoadKing.ng across several states indicate a disturbing pattern of pedestrians being struck on highways, urban expressways, and inner-city roads, particularly in densely populated areas where walkways, footbridges, and proper crossings are either absent or ignored.

Pedestrians remain the least protected category of road users. Unlike motorists, they have no physical barrier against impact. Medical experts say pedestrian-involved crashes often result in:

• Severe head injuries
• Spinal trauma
• Internal organ damage
• High fatality rates, even at moderate speeds

RoadKing.ng crash monitoring shows that many victims are schoolchildren, roadside traders, commuters, and residents of communities located along major highways.

Why Pedestrian Crashes Are Increasing

Traffic agencies attribute the surge to a combination of human and infrastructural factors, including:

• Excessive speeding, especially in built-up areas
• Driver distraction and impatience
• Absence of pedestrian bridges and sidewalks
• Jaywalking caused by long distances between crossings
• Poor night visibility and lack of reflective wear

In several corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Aba–Port Harcourt Road, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Abuja–Keffi Road, and Benin–Ore Highway, pedestrians routinely cross fast-moving traffic due to limited alternatives.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have repeatedly warned that pedestrian safety remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s road transport system. The Corps says a significant portion of annual road deaths involve pedestrians.

The agency has called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to:

• Construct more pedestrian bridges and sidewalks
• Improve street lighting
• Enforce speed limits in residential and market zones
• Intensify public awareness campaigns

Residents of highway-side communities say pedestrian deaths have become frequent and traumatising. Families often lose breadwinners and children in crashes that occur just metres from their homes.

Transport analysts warn that unless urgent action is taken, pedestrian casualties will continue to rise, especially as traffic volume increases nationwide.

Safety Advice for Motorists and Pedestrians

Road safety experts urge drivers to:

• Slow down in built-up areas
• Watch for pedestrians near markets, schools, and bus stops
• Avoid night speeding

Pedestrians are also advised to:

• Use footbridges where available
• Wear bright or reflective clothing at night
• Avoid crossing highways on bends or near stationary vehicles

Conclusion

Pedestrian safety is a collective responsibility. Until infrastructure improves and road users adjust behaviour, Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens will remain exposed to deadly risks on the roads.