A STUDY OF CROSSWALK SAFETY IN A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

This study investigates crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, focusing on the perceptions of road users, adequacy of crosswalk infrastructure, compliance with safety measures, and enforcement of pedestrian safety rules. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to three sample groups of students, staff, and drivers in the campus. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses was tested with chi-square at 0,05 significance level. The results suggest that comprehensive solutions incorporating improved infrastructure, increased enforcement, and educational campaigns are essential for creating a safer campus environment for all road users. The findings revealed a general negative perception of crosswalk safety, with key concerns around aggressive drivers’ behavior, including over-speeding and mobile phone usage while walking and driving. The research also identifies significant deficiencies in crosswalk signage and markings, with a substantial proportion of respondents reporting poor visibility of crosswalk infrastructure. Whereas, drivers claimed to yield at crosswalks, pedestrians frequently experienced drivers’ non-compliance, highlighting a disparity in perceptions between these groups. Furthermore, the study found a widespread agreement on the need for infrastructural improvements such as better signage and clearer markings. These findings emphasize the need for addressing both infrastructure deficiencies and behavioral issues to improve pedestrian safety. The study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical data on crosswalk safety in a university setting, offering valuable insights for future interventions aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure and safety enforcement. This study concluded by providing important insights regarding crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, emphasising critical concerns related to pedestrian and driver conduct, along with infrastructural deficiencies. It recommended that all existing crosswalk signage should be repainted using reflective and durable thermoplastic materials to improve visibility, particularly at night and the University’s Security Department, along with local traffic authorities, should enforce pedestrian laws to ensure compliance by both pedestrians and drivers.