Study of Accident Black Spots and Remedial Measures on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway

Accident black spots on major Nigerian highways represent chronic safety failures that demand targeted engineering and enforcement interventions. This study examines accident black spots on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway and evaluates the effectiveness of existing and proposed remedial measures. A descriptive survey and spatial analysis design was adopted, using Federal Road Safety Corps accident records from 2020 to 2024, supplemented by field surveys and interviews with 80 transport operators and 20 highway engineers. The study maps accident locations using GPS coordinates, identifies contributing environmental and behavioural factors at each black spot, and assesses the adequacy of current warning signs, speed calming devices, and road markings. Findings identify eight critical black spots on the 220-kilometre corridor, concentrated at sections with steep gradients, sharp horizontal curves, and poor sight distances. Speeding, driver fatigue, and vehicle mechanical failure are the predominant contributing factors, compounded by inadequate road lighting in several sections. Existing warning signs at black spots are often faded or missing, and road markings are largely absent. The study recommends targeted geometric improvements at the eight identified locations, installation of rumble strips and crash barriers, improved road lighting, and a rotating enforcement presence at peak accident hours. These findings provide an evidence base for prioritised road safety investment on one of South East Nigeria's most critical highways. Keywords: accident black spots, highway safety, Enugu-Port Harcourt, road safety engineering, Federal Road Safety Corps.