Investigation of Pedestrian Health and Safety in Port Harcourt: A Case Study of Iwofe

Abstract

This study investigates pedestrian health in Iwofe, Port Harcourt, with emphasis on infrastructure adequacy, risk factors, behavioural compliance, and accident prevalence. The research was motivated by increasing pedestrian casualties in urban Nigerian contexts, where infrastructural neglect and poor traffic discipline persist. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys (N = 300) with descriptive and Chi-square statistical analyses using SPSS v.27 alongside qualitative checklists and oral interviews with 13 key informants. The methodological triangulation enabled a robust exploration of pedestrian experiences and perceptions, linking infrastructural conditions, behavioural choices, and accident outcomes. Findings revealed critical inadequacies in pedestrian infrastructure. The overall mean score (M = 2.86, SD = 0.97) showed that sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals were rated Fair to Poor. Informants described cracked pavements, faded markings, absent bridges, and obstructed pathways. Behavioural risks were also notable, with phone distraction (M = 2.92) and reckless cyclists (M = 2.93) posing frequent hazards, compounded by jaywalking and encroachment. Compliance with safety practices was weak, as drivers rarely yielded at crosswalks (M = 2.69), while pedestrians often disregarded rules due to weak enforcement. Accident prevalence was high, with 84.6% of informants reporting witnessed incidents and 30.7% confirming fatalities. Causes included reckless driving, poor infrastructure, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour. Outcomes ranged from minor injuries to deaths, particularly near schools, markets, and poorly lit junctions. Importantly, 92.3% of respondents believed accidents were preventable through infrastructure upgrades and stricter enforcement. The study concludes that pedestrian safety challenges in Iwofe result from the intersection of inadequate facilities, behavioural lapses, and weak enforcement. Recommendations include infrastructural improvements (walkways, bridges, lighting), stricter traffic regulation, public awareness campaigns, and provision of urban amenities to improve pedestrian comfort and reduce risks. This research underscores the urgent need for integrated pedestrian safety planning in Port Harcourt, contributing to sustainable urban mobility and public health improvements.