Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and effects of vehicle
breakdown and road accidents in the Bolgatanga Municipality using purposive
random sampling technique with emphasis on convenience sampling technique or
method to sample out the various respondents for the study. Out of 100 respondents
chosen for the study, only 96 respondents responded to the questionnaire. The
objectives of the study were to determine the causes of frequent vehicle breakdown,
assess the level of competence of vehicle mechanics, and how to reduce frequent
vehicle breakdown. The result on the causes emerged that improper care of vehicles
was the major cause of vehicular breakdown and accidents as many drivers do not
check their vehicles daily before use, no respect for road safety regulations, high
alcoholic intake of drivers, over speeding and driving whiles making or receiving
calls, and overloading of passengers/goods were some of the discussed causes. On the
level of competence of vehicle mechanics, the study revealed that many of the
mechanics are not performing to satisfaction and must be certified by a higher
authority before operating and be exposed to formal vocational or technical training
on current technology and entrepreneurial skills. On how to reduce frequent vehicle
breakdowns and accidents; vehicle drivers must comply with the road traffic laws,
and perform routine maintenance of their vehicles. Finally the study recommends that,
there should be Government/private partnership to train mechanics, provide heavy
duty towing trucks to clear breakdown vehicles and the MTTU police and DVLA
should be strict in their operations with more public education on the causes of
vehicular breakdown and road accidents and penalties for infringement of traffic laws.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted to the School
of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of Master of Technology Education
(Mechanical) degree.