A survey of commercial drivers′ perception on the causes of road traffic accidents in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accident is a multifactorial phenomenon that affects victims to different degrees depending on the type of accident. The aim of this study was to study commercial driver's attitude and their perceived causes of accidents on Nigerian roads.Methodology: A cross-sectional study of commercial drivers from various motor parks in a Nigerian urban city was carried out using questionnaires. Every volunteer was asked to complete a questionnaire that revealed patient demographics, age, education level, time of accident and perceived cause(s) of the accident. All participants were males and licensed drivers.Results : Drivers in the age range of 38 - 47 years (n = 174; 46.77%) were mostly involved in road traffic accidents. Road accidents were much more prevalent on rural roads than on urban roads. Majority of the drivers (n = 198; 53%) had secondary level of education, while 112 drivers (30%) had primary level of education. One hundred and eight drivers (29.03%) believed the accidents were as a result of the road. 21.24% (79) stated that the time of the day, which could be in the daylight, dusk or at night, could influence road traffic accidents.Conclusions : The drivers perceived that the nature of the road, time and weather are some of the major contributory factors to road accidents. However, it was deduced from the study that behavioral patterns on the road, violation of traffic rules and driving under the influence of alcohol were the major contributory factors in commercial drivers' involvement in vehicular accidents.