Aleke^* C.O^*, Orji, S.A^* and Imah, H.I^**,

^*Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University

^**Department of Science Education (Health Education Unit), University of Delta, Agbor

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTA) is a common phenomenon and an emerging public health threat globally including Nigeria. In Nigeria, RTA is a serious menace plaguing the country thus, requiring a holistic and urgent attention. This paper reviewed and discussed extensively risk and protective factors of RTA both in Nigeria and outside the country. The risk factors associated with RTA include socioeconomic factors, behavioural factors, environmental factors, psychological factors and vehicular factors. The paper further highlighted and reviewed protective factors that can aids the prevention of RTA. Based on the revelation from the reviewed literature, it was recommended that urgent, deliberate and purposeful training and retraining of drivers should be done, traffic infrastructure has to be updated as those that need repairs have to be done. Moreover,  government at all levels should consider providing sponsorship and grants to assist in licensing drivers and as well ensure free driving schools to encourage individual’s enrollment in driving schools.