Examining the Causes and Consequences of Road Traffic Accidents on the Benin-Ore Expressway

The Benin-Ore Expressway is among the most accident-prone routes in Nigeria, linking the South South and South West zones and serving as a critical commercial corridor. This study examines the principal causes and socioeconomic consequences of road traffic accidents on this highway. A descriptive survey design was adopted, combining accident data retrieved from the Federal Road Safety Corps Edo and Ondo state commands with field questionnaires administered to 140 drivers, road transport workers, and accident survivors. The study assesses causal factors including speeding, drunk driving, vehicle mechanical failure, road defects, and poor visibility conditions. Findings indicate that speeding and driver recklessness account for nearly 50 percent of recorded accidents, while road defects such as potholes and unmarked construction zones contribute significantly. The economic costs of accidents are examined through lost productivity, medical expenses, and property damage estimates. Results show that affected households bear average financial losses exceeding 300,000 naira per incident, creating lasting economic hardship. The study recommends speed limit enforcement through automated cameras, mandatory vehicle pre-trip inspections at garages, and accelerated repair of identified road black spots. Collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Safety Corps is identified as essential for a sustained accident reduction strategy. These findings enrich the evidence base for highway safety management in Southern Nigeria. Keywords: road traffic accidents, Benin-Ore Expressway, road safety, highway management, driver behaviour.