Abstract:

Most studies focused on the causes of road traffic accident, this study looks beyond the effects of traffic crashes by examining the response of motorists to traffic law and its enforcement in a populous region as a countermeasure. The study focuses on the response of drivers to the enacted traffic law 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria. Responses of drivers to the traffic law were analysed using routine activity theory and deterrence theory to reflect the offenders and the law as means of social control perspectives. Qualitative data was elicited from the unobtrusive observation; commercial drivers (n=100), private drivers (n=100) and law enforcement officers (n = 60) using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed through content analysis. The study revealed that in spite of the fact that the law is embedded with some elements of draconian law, most of the drivers have no in-depth knowledge of the law. Although taking the deterrence theory approach, the traffic law has a great influence on the behaviour of drivers on the road. Furthermore, it was concluded the heterogeneity nature of Lagos requires a stiffer law that will deter potential offenders from violating the state’s traffic laws which serves to regulate drivers and reduce road traffic jams and accidents.