Spatial Analysis of Road Accident Distribution and Socioeconomic Vulnerability in Plateau State

The spatial distribution of road traffic accidents is non-random, concentrated along specific corridors and within communities characterised by identifiable socioeconomic vulnerability factors. This study conducts a spatial analysis of road accident distribution and its relationship with socioeconomic vulnerability in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Using accident incident data from the Federal Road Safety Corps Jos Sector Command (2020 to 2024), the study employs Geographic Information System tools and spatial statistics including kernel density estimation and Moran's I spatial autocorrelation to identify accident clustering patterns across the state. Socioeconomic vulnerability indices are constructed at the local government area level using census-derived poverty, education, and infrastructure access variables. Bivariate spatial regression analysis examines the relationship between accident cluster intensity and vulnerability indices. Findings reveal statistically significant spatial clustering of accidents along the Jos-Abuja, Jos-Bauchi, and Jos-Shendam corridors, with hotspot intensity correlating positively with poverty indices in adjacent communities. The study identifies that communities with low road safety awareness scores and limited access to formal healthcare contribute disproportionately to accident fatality rates. This spatial-socioeconomic nexus has not previously been examined for Plateau State, representing a contribution to the spatial transport safety literature. Recommendations include vulnerability-targeted road safety education programmes, healthcare access improvement in accident-prone corridors, and GIS-informed accident prevention resource allocation. Keywords: spatial analysis, road accidents, socioeconomic vulnerability, Plateau State, GIS.