Safety Management Systems and Accident Prevention in Road Transport Firms: Evidence from Kaduna State

This research examines the relationship between safety management systems (SMS) and accident prevention in road transport firms operating in Kaduna State, Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Road transport accidents represent a significant public health and economic burden in Nigeria, and systematic safety management in the transport sector is critical for reducing accident frequency and severity. This study employs a survey research design with data collected from 110 transport firm managers, drivers, and fleet supervisors through structured questionnaires. Secondary accident records from the Federal Road Safety Corps were also reviewed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression techniques. The study evaluates SMS dimensions including driver behaviour monitoring, vehicle maintenance scheduling, route risk assessment, safety training frequency, and incident reporting culture. Findings indicate that driver behaviour monitoring and vehicle maintenance scheduling are the most significant SMS predictors of accident reduction, measured through accident frequency rates and severity indices. Safety training frequency showed strong positive associations with driver compliance behaviour but weaker direct effects on accident outcomes, suggesting training implementation quality is a limiting factor. Incident reporting culture was identified as chronically underdeveloped. Recommendations include investment in telematics-based driver monitoring systems, formalised vehicle maintenance protocols, and incentive-based safety compliance programmes. Keywords: safety management, accident prevention, road transport, Kaduna State, fleet management.