Public Transport Drivers Research Articles

Intra-urban mobility: the place of para-transit operations in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study examined the effectiveness of para-transit transport activities by identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of both the passengers and drivers of public transport and the factors confronting their operation. It utilised primary and secondary data. A purposive sampling technique was employed which entailed the identification of all the motor parks, the selection of buses, minibuses and cars at the motor parks, major bus stops and conducting a survey using a structured questionnaire cum interview. Questionnaires were administered to 354 respondents to obtain information about their socioeconomic, trip characteristics and the unconventional public transport operations, of which a total of 312 questionnaires were duly completed and returned. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive techniques and correlation analysis. The results showed that the majority of the passengers (61.4%) were within the 21 – 30 years age bracket while 43.7% of the drivers were within the 31-40 years age bracket, the patrons and the operators of the public transport are predominantly low-income earners as large proportion of the passengers (42.1%) earned below ₦10,000 per month while 46.9% of the drivers earned between ₦10,001 and ₦20,000 per month. The results of the correlation analysis indicated both the drivers’ and passengers’ perspectives, factors such as public transport conditions, road quality and drainage system are highly correlated between their paired variables. Hence, effort should be made by the government and public transport operators to improve the transport infrastructural facilities in the study area.

The Competency Assessment Model for Public Transport Drivers based on the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) uses Analytical Hierarchy Process

This driver behavior assessment model discusses the expertise of public transport drivers based on the national Work Qualification with graduate competency standards (SKL). Graduate competency standards have parameters, namely competence, competency elements and graduation indicators. From these three parameters, the competency unit is abbreviated as UK, the competency element is abbreviated as EK, and the graduation indicator is abbreviated as IK. Assessment of the first competency unit is upon attitudes and values, the second competency unit is upon the ability in the field of work, the third competency unit isupon the area of ​​knowledge mastered and the fourth competency unit is upon the rights and responsibilities. The first competency unit has 6 competency elements and 6 graduation indicators, the second competency unit has 27 competency elements and 41 graduation indicators, the third competency unit has 6 competencies and 11 graduation indicators, the fourth competency unit has 2 competency elements and 4 graduation indicators. The first unit is abbreviated as UK1, the first competency element is abbreviated as EK1, while for the first indicator of graduation is abbreviated as IK1. The combination of UK1, EK1 and IK1 becomes UK1EK1. The combination of the first competency unit becomes the first competency element and combined to become the first graduation indicator then becomes UK1IK1, and so do the next competency unit up to the fourth competency unit. The completion stages of this discussion is carried out in four steps, namely problem identification, model design, implementation and system evaluation. The calculation process uses Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Use of seat belts among public transport drivers in Tacna, Peru: Prevalence and risk factors.

There are individuals who still refuse to wear seat belts, despite its effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality in road traffic accidents. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors according to the use of seat belts among public transport drivers in Tacna, Peru. This analytical transversal study was carried out among public transport drivers (buses and taxis) in a Peruvian city. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the general and occupational characteristics and the use of seat belts (observed). Descriptive statistics and risk factors were obtained, these latter through generalized linear models. Of the 460 drivers, 77% used their seat belts, with a difference in use depending on the type of public transport (p<0.001). In the multivariate model, the risk of not using the belt was associated with the following: older age (p<0.001), having complete studies (p<0.001), a higher level/category of driving license (3 categories had p<0.001), having a higher number of previous road traffic accidents (p = 0.011), and received medical attention in that accident (p<0.001), those who reported using a cell phone while driving (p = 0.005), if the co-driver's belt had 3 anchorage points (p<0.001), and working for > 5 hours that day (p = 0.002). However, male drivers and those who had their belt with 3 anchorage points had greater use (both p<0.001). One in five drivers did not use a seat belt, and important characteristics of those who did not comply with this traffic law were evaluated to generate control and intervention measures.

The Correlation Between Air Pollution Exposure Duration and Occurence of Emphysema Based on Chest CT Scan in Public Transportation Drivers

Background: Emphysema is included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) whose prevalence tends to increase in Indonesia. Air pollution is one of risk factor for emphysema. Public transportation drivers are one of the most vulnerable occupation exposed to air pollution. This study aimed to determine the correlation between air pollution exposure duration and occurence of emphysema in public transportation drivers. Methods: This was an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional approach. Samples of this study (n=32) were public transportation drivers in North Jakarta. Data were collected during August – October 2019 at Atma Jaya Hospital, North Jakarta. The study datawere secondary data obtained through interviews and chest CT scan. Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact method. Results: The prevalence of emphysema was 46,9% with 9 respondents (60%) had mixed type emphysema and 13 respondents (87,7%) had mild degrees. The prevalence of public transportation drivers exposed to air pollution for more than or equal to 8 hours a day was 87,5%. There was a significant correlation between air pollution exposure duration and occurence of emphysema (P=0,038). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant correlation between air pollution exposure duration and occurence of emphysema. As many as 11 respondents (39,3%) exposed to air pollution for more than or equal to 8 hours a day exposure were found to have emphysema. However, all respondents in this study were smokers, which was also a risk factor for emphysema and could be considered as severe air pollution.

Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Dalam Meningkatkan Jumlah Kepesertaan Pada BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Kantor Cabang Bandar Lampung

AbstractIt seems that the awareness of Non-Receiving Wages (BPU) workers following the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan membership appears to be lacking. This can be seen from the decline in BPU participation in the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Bandar Lampung Branch. BPU are those who work in the informal sector, such as traders, pedicab drivers, public transportation drivers, domestic helpers, parking attendants, farmers, and fishermen. In 2018, the number of BPU memberships in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Bandar Lampung reached more than 16,000 workers. In 2019, there were only 14,818 workers. The reason is that they (BPU workers) admit that they cannot experience the benefits directly. In fact, by joining the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan membership, you will get many benefits. The selected program can also be gradual, according to the abilities and needs of the participants. It can also be seen that Construction Service Participants in the table above have decreased, if in 2018 there were more than 259,000 workers, while in 2019 it decreased to 246,746 workers. The purpose of this study is to find out and explain how the marketing strategy is to increase the number of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan memberships at the Bandar Lampung branch office. The method used in this study is a qualitative analysis method, using a SWOT analysis tool (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat). The SO strategy implemented is to cooperate with the government so that it can create many opportunities to improve the quality of the social security program, there is cooperation that can be carried out by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan with government agencies to run a pension security program, and maintain a pension security program for workers and help in treatment so as to improve the welfare of workers and make the company lessen the medical burden on workers. Keywords: Analysis SWOT, Marketing Strategy, Participation

Assessing factors affecting professional bus drivers in Central Java, Indonesia

Public transportation is a key solution to a connecting city in Indonesia country. An important factor of driver behavior and driver fatigue is the potential for loss in this field. This study aims to identify traffic loss risk factors associated with demographic characteristics, fatigue levels, body mass index, driver experience blood pressure levels, and inappropriate driver attitudes on public transport as well as to find out the effects of fatigue levels. This research is a cross-sectional technique with descriptive analytics. The sample in this study was 67 professional bus drivers with licenses in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Data collection in the month 1-30 January 2021. Based on the results of the study showed that 67 respondents, 77.6% experienced severe level fatigue, 85.1% worked more than 8 hours, 73.1% had a smoking habit. For Body Mass Index 29.9% are overweight, 65.7% have prehypertensive blood pressure levels. The fatigue experienced by public transport drivers is categorical as heavy (77.6%). periodic checks are required regarding the level of fatigue so that the risk of traffic accidents does not occur. The policy regarding working hours must be carried out from an average of 13.82 hours per day to 8 hours, according to regulations and a bus driver's working period of more than 5 years is a record of future health problems. Professional bus drivers have a dangerous level of fatigue, so there needs to be a change in the work system in order to avoid the risk of traffic accidents related to public transportation.

RISK OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISK PARAMETERS NO2 AND COMPLAINTS OF RESPIRATION ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS (NEW CAMPUS-CITY) IN KENDARI CITY

Background:For Kendari City, the NO2 concentration in the air measured on Jl.Abdullah Silondae street still below the quality standard. However, the NO2 concentration has increased and decreased based on the results of air monitoring from the Environment and Forestry Service regarding the Air Quality Index which is measured 2 times a year with NO2 parameters in 2017, the first measurement is the value obtained of 1.58 µg / m3 and the second measurement. amounting to 1.57 µg / m3. In 2018 the NO2 value in the first measurement was 4.2 µg / m3 and the second measurement was 5.23 µg / m3. Whereas in 2019 the NO2 value in the first measurement was 5.8 µg / m3 and in the second measurement was 3.8 µg / m3. Methods:This type of research is descriptive quantitative (Field Research and Laboratory Research). The population is the total number of public transportation and the number of drivers for the Baru-Kota Rayon 02 route, amounting to 154 public transportation units and 154 public transport drivers with the male gender. The samples are some of the public transport drivers for the New Kampus-Kota rayon 02 route. Results:Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measurements were obtained96.85 µg / Nm3, 108.79 µg / Nm3 and 100.83 µg / Nm3 for 3 different locations. The highest respiratory complaints were cough symptoms for 47 people and the lowest was shortness of breath as many as 8 people. Conclusion:Risk management is carried out by reducing exposure time, planting trees that can absorb air pollution, maintaining endurance, limiting the age of motor vehicles and using environmentally friendly fuels.

Knowledge, practice and associated factors towards the prevention of COVID-19 among high-risk groups: A cross-sectional study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable virus that continues to disrupt livelihoods, particularly those of low-income segments of society, around the world. In Ethiopia, more specifically in the capital city of Addis Ababa, a sudden increase in the number of confirmed positive cases in high-risk groups of the community has been observed over the last few weeks of the first case. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, practice and associated factors that can contribute to the prevention of COVID-19 among high-risk groups in Addis Ababa.MethodsA cross-sectional in person survey (n = 6007) was conducted from 14–30 April, 2020 following a prioritization within high-risk groups in Addis Ababa. The study area targeted bus stations, public transport drivers, air transport infrastructure, health facilities, public and private pharmacies, hotels, government-owned and private banks, telecom centers, trade centers, orphanages, elderly centers, prison, prisons and selected slum areas where the people live in a crowded areas. A questionnaire comprised of four sections (demographics, knowledge, practice and reported symptoms) was used for data collection. The outcomes (knowledge on the transmission and prevention of COVID-19 and practice) were measured using four items. A multi variable logistic regression was applied with adjustment for potential confounding.ResultsAbout half (48%, 95% CI: 46–49) of the study participants had poor knowledge on the transmission mode of COVID-19 whereas six out of ten (60%, 95% CI: 58–61) had good knowledge on prevention methods for COVID-19. The practice of preventive measures towards COVID-19 was found to be low (49%, 95% CI: 48–50). Factors that influence knowledge on COVID-19 transmission mechanisms were female gender, older age, occupation (health care and grocery worker), lower income and the use of the 8335 free call centre. Older age, occupation (being a health worker), middle income, experience of respiratory illness and religion were significantly associated with being knowledgeable about the prevention methods for COVID-19. The study found that occupation, religion, income, knowledge on the transmission and prevention of COVID-19 were associated with the practice of precautionary measures towards COVID-19.ConclusionThe study highlighted that there was moderate knowledge about transmission modes and prevention mechanisms. Similarly, there was moderate practice of measures that contribute towards the prevention of COVID-19 among these priority and high-risk communities of Addis Ababa. There is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in terms of transmission mode and prevention methods of COVID-19 to improve prevention practices and control the spread of COVID-19. Use of female public figures and religious leaders could support the effort towards the increase in awareness.

Instruments for Screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Drivers of Commercial Vehicles: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Undiagnosed Obstructive sleep apnea in commercial vehicle drivers has the potential to causetraffic accidents. Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, but it isexpensive, impractical, and not available in primary health services in the workplace.Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to identify and evaluate the Obstructive Sleep Apneascreening instruments that have been used on commercial vehicle drivers in the past 10 years.Method: A review was conducted to analyze the latest research related to the use of instruments for screeningObstructive Sleep Apnea in commercial vehicle drivers. Publications from December 2009 through December2019 were identified using EBSCO, Science Direct, ProQuest, SpringerLink, and SAGE Publications. Theresearch included was published in English and concerns the use of Obstructive Sleep Apnea screeningtools among commercial vehicle drivers (i.e., truck, taxi, commercial vehicle, and public transportationdrivers). The screening employed various questionnaires, the measurement of biological parameters (bodymass index [BMI], neck circumference, blood pressure, Mallampati score), and polysomnography. Eacharticle was analyzed according to these criteria, and its relevance was assessed.Result: The initial screening inclusion criteria produced 10 relevant studies. All the studies used instrumentsto screen Obstructive Sleep Apnea in commercial vehicle drivers, and they all indicate that using obstructivesleep apnea screening instruments is useful for identifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases in commercialvehicle drivers.Conclusion: The Obstructive Sleep Apnea screening instruments provided information through the use ofa questionnaire and the examination of biological parameters. The Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaireshave good sensitivity and specificity, making them suitable tools for Obstructive Sleep Apnea screening incommercial vehicle drivers.

Do public transport drivers perceive hazards properly on mountain roads?

Public transport drivers, due to their daily exposure, should have a remarkable level of hazard recognition on mountain roads. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze their hazard perception capabilities. We photographed twelve road sites in mountainous topography, and showed it to 97 participants. The hazard perception was collected with an online survey and compared with the objective hazard, which was calculated using the iRAP methodology. We found that the majority of drivers could not recognize the hazards of the most dangerous places, which is worrying, especially given that these are actual real-world roads that they must traverse. It calibrated four equations to predict the objective hazard based on perceived hazard. No differences were found in the hazard perception based on years of experience and types of licenses. The results of this study will allow road safety institutions to create specific courses for drivers with inadequate hazard perception, or improve the training process for candidate drivers.

Clinical use of STOP-BANG and ESS questionnaires in the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnoea-related risk factors for motor vehicle accidents among public transport drivers in Delhi, India.

To assess the clinical use of Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and STOP-BANG questionnaires in the evaluation of sleep apnoea-related risk factors for motor vehicle accident (MVA) among public transport drivers in Delhi, India. The present cross-sectional study is based on data collected between April 2018 and March 2019 from public transport drivers in Delhi. All drivers coming for gas filling to 43 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Delhi were included in the study. The evaluation of sleep apnoea-related risk factors for motor vehicle accident was done using ESS and STOP-BANG Score. A total of 4094 drivers participated in this study, and 299 drivers (7%) gave ahistory of motor vehicle accidents during the preceding 3 years. Drivers with STOP-BANG score ≥ 3 had a higher risk for MVA (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.26-2.02; p value < 0.0001). Score of ESS ≥ 10 carried a very high risk for MVA (OR 26.95; 95% CI 16.18-44.87; p value < 0.0001). The other risk factor of significance was alcoholism (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.80; p value < 0.0248). Among public transport drivers in Delhi, daytime sleepiness is the major contributing factor to motor vehicle accidents. ESS and STOP-BANG questionnaires may be good screening tools for the clinical evaluation of OSA. Community-based screening of OSA is required for identification of public transport drivers at high risk of MVA.

Biopolitics in the Time of Coronavirus

The article focuses on emergence of panoply of genres of quarantine noticed by author Joshua Clover in a blog post and mentions notion of biopolitics mentioned by philosopher Michael Foucault Topics discussed include concept of biopolitics to address the coronavirus pandemic, issue for political decision-making to be addressed by the government and city disciplinarization with inhabitants during plague pandemic

Automated complex for remote medical examination

Elements of telemedicine are increasingly being introduced into all spheres of medical services for the population. One promising example is automated systems for remote pre-trip medical examination of drivers. However, most of the telemedicine systems used only control the basic parameters of the body provided for by law. An urgent task is to create methods and tools for a comprehensive assessment of the driver's health based on processing of a set of biomedical signals and data that allow tracking the dynamics of the functional and psychoemotional status. Purpose – development of an automated system for remote medical examination of drivers, which allows not only to monitor basic health indicators for admission to a flight, but also to track indirect signs of fatigue, stress and exposure to psychoactive substances that can provoke inappropriate behavior on the road. A microprocessor-based system for collecting and preliminary processing of information received from a set of biomedical sensors has been developed. The original modules for measuring blood pressure and pulse, non-contact temperature measurement and tremor parameters evaluating have been implemented. The set of diagnostic procedures for the pre-trip examination is implemented in a unified cycle, which ensures the complexity of the interpretation of the results. The developed automated complex and the hardware and software tools included in it can be used to conduct pre-trip examinations of drivers of public and special transport, providing an increase in the diagnostic efficiency of identifying signs that are risk factors when the driver is allowed to work.

Drowsiness and associated factors in long distance transport drivers in sub-Saharan Africa

Drowsiness while driving is considered as a major cause of accident on the public highway. In Cameroon, several preventive measures have been implemented to reduce this scourge, which has serious consequences for economic development and health. To assess the frequence of drowsiness and identify the associated factors in a group of interurban drivers in Cameroon. We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study from January to July 2019. Study carried out among drivers of interurban public transport in Cameroon, practicing for at least 3 completed months before the date of recruitment. Drowsiness was assessed using the Epworth Drowsiness Scale (ESE). The statistical analysis was carried out using Epi Info software version 3.5.4 and Excel 2013. The significance threshold was set at 5%. We included 93 subjects in the study. The average age was 43.4(± 9.3) years with the average body mass index (BMI)of 27.2 (± 3.7)kg/m 2 ; 19.40% were obese. 70 drivers claimed to have consumed drinks containing caffeine, theine and/or other energized drinks. Physical inactivity was reported in 47.3% of the drivers. A drowsiness frequency was estimated 34.4% with the ESE ≥ 11 in our study population. There were an association of drowsiness with the duration of the profession < 10 years and ≥ 20 years. Furthermore, an association was found with the number of hours of driving varying from 30-50 h for a significant p-value of 0.000. The factors associated with persistent drowsiness after logistic regression were the number of hours of driving varying between 30-40 h per week and a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 with a P -value of 0.000 and 0.0004 respectively. Drowsiness frequency was estimated at 34.4% for drivers with an ESE ≥ 11 in our study population. Participants driving 30 to 40 hrs per week and those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had a higher risk of dozing while driving.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Drivers of the Urban Transport Service in the City of Ayacucho

Among This research work was carried out with the following objectives: to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on public and private service drivers, using clinical laboratory techniques. Detect the age and models of the vehicles used by the public and private transport drivers of the city of Ayacucho and identify the semiology and clinical pathology of CO poisoned drivers. Of a total of 90 volunteer drivers (100%), 45 work in the public sector and 45 in the private sector. Of these, 86.6% were negative and 13.33% positive. Regarding the degree of intoxication in positive cases: 7.7% had moderate effects and 5.5% had severe effects. Regarding the methodology, the coximeter was used to measure the CO of the expired air, finding the percentage of carboxy hemoglobin. Regarding the predominant age group, ages between 18 to 34 cases were considered in 37.8% and less frequently for ages 36 to 41 years with 15.6%. The city of Ayacucho does not have large industries, it is slowly suffering from the contamination of its surroundings due to the accelerated increase in the gasoline and oil motor vehicle park, plus the burning of bricks, farmland, garbage and firewood for food processing, a public health problem.

Dorsopathy in urban public transport drivers in relation to occupational risks and workloads

Drivers in urban public transport are exposed to specific risks and workloads with both somatic and psychological effects on their health. The most common somatic disorders are musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), especially those of the spine, and some of them can be occupational diseases. The present paper represents a sequence from an ample study that has followed the effects of this professional activity on work aptitude and workers’ state of health and then has established prevention measures, respectively measures for reduction of identified risk factors. An ergonomic, complex and multidimensional methodology has been used. The health state analysis has been performed through a prevalence, cross-sectional study on three cohorts (bus, tram, trolleybus drivers). In all groups, a high percentage of spinal pathology has been found, especially lumbosacral. The highest percentage of dorsopathies has been registered in the group of the trolleybus drivers (48%), followed by the tram (43%) and the bus (42%). In all three cohorts, a significant percentage in disc herniation in the age group 36-45 years old has been found, which can indicate premature wear. The identification of occupational risk factors has allowed for the establishment of a set of prevention / reduction measures.

Effects of the mandibular advancement device on daytime sleepiness, quality of life and polysomnographic profile of public transport drivers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the mandibular advancement device (MAD) on daytime sleepiness, quality of life (QoL) and polysomnographic profile of intercity transport drivers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Material and MethodsA quasi-experimental study evaluating intercity transport drivers from March to September 2019. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was evaluated by type III polysomnography, which defined the severity of the disease. OSAS: mild (5 to 15), moderate (15 to 29), or severe (= 30). Sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale, consisting of 8 questions about the likelihood of drowsiness in daily situations. QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, which provides the score in eight domains: functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health status, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects, and mental health. Drivers with OSAS underwent intervention with application of personalized MAD for 8 to 12 weeks.ResultsThe total sample (n=23) (44.77±11.56 years) had a body mass index (BMI) of 30.64±4.66kg/m2, and an OSAS prevalence of 65.2% of drivers (n=15). There were losses of 4 drivers so that the final sample of drivers with OSAS for the intervention with the MAD was 11 individuals, with an average age of 45.54±9.41 years and BMI of 32.21±3.17kg/m². There was a decrease in AHI (28.51±15.66ev/h 012.11±6.70ev/h, p=0.002) and pain (60 (50-60)040 (40-50), p=0.015) after the intervention.ConclusionThere was a reduction in AHI in intercity transport drivers after implementing the MAD procedure.

Access to public transportation for people with disabilities in Chile: a case study regarding the experience of drivers

This study explored access to transportation for people with disabilities based on the accounts of public transportation drivers in the Atacama region of Northern Chile. The study is based on the naturalistic paradigm and uses the theory based on the systematic design of Strauss and Corbin. The analyzed data correspond to the open and axial phases of the methodology. Seven group interviews and three in-depth interviews were conducted, using a sample of 57 drivers. Sixteen categories emerged which, upon being refined through the permanent contrast method, allowed three categories and seven subcategories to be established. Social exclusion, barriers to access, and social position were the main categories, and negative perceptions regarding access prevailed. Gaps and access limitations for people with disabilities were evident in drivers' accounts, which indicate an opportunity for a better understanding of the phenomenon. Points of Interest This study evaluated the access of disabled people to public transportation from the perspective of drivers in northern Chile It was found that drivers had a negative attitude and perception towards people with disabilities Drivers often reject disabled passengers, and they believe this can be blamed to the current public policies in Chile Drivers are aware that their service is poorly perceived by society, which causes disabled people to exclude themselves The lack of accessibility in public transportation affects the lives of disabled people as they have reduced access to health services, jobs or social activities.

MEASUREMENT OF LEAD CONCENTRATION IN THE BLOOD OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIVERS IN BANDUNG REGENCY, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

As industrial and transportation activities in Bandung Regency are growing rapidly, Indonesia could be at risk of increasing air pollution levels. One of the air pollutants that are very harmful to the body is lead (Pb) generated from industrial activities, mining, vehicle exhaust gas, and dust from the ground. Lead is a heavy metal that is very dangerous for the body because it is carcinogenic with its activity character as an inhibitor in cell metabolism. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of lead in the blood of public transport drivers who are active on the highway every day and are most at risk of being exposed to Pb. Measurement of Pb concentration was carried out using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Blood samples were taken from public transport drivers at Soreang Terminal, Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The analysis results showed that the average blood lead content of public transport drivers was 1,032 mg/L. The lowest level was 0.889 mg/L, and the highest was 1,200 mg/L. This shows that the lead content in the blood of public transport drivers is already in excess levels (range numbers 0.800-1.200 mg/L) when compared with the threshold for lead in the blood based on the Regulation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (0.10 - 0.25 mg/L) and the threshold value set by the World Health Organization, which is 0.4 mg/L.

Study on Driving Behavior of Public Transport Drivers in Kerala

A lot of crashes involving heavy vehicles have been reported over the years in Kerala. Faulty driving behavior is widely regarded as the major cause of such crashes. This study considers the drivers’ perceptions and their socio-demographic background to understand the behavioral variations. The study is done based on a questionnaire survey on public transport operators from which their behavioral characteristics are noted. The study area is divided into three parts namely, North, Central and South Kerala with a fixed sample at each of these regions. The sample size is fixed based on Bill Godden’s method for infinite population. Accordingly, a sample of 384 vehicles was surveyed from each region. Thus, data for a total of 1,152 public transport vehicles were taken from all three regions namely North, South, and Central Kerala. From this sample, the variations in violations, errors and lapses among drivers are noted based on various causative factors. Analyses of these behavioral factors are done to study the influence on aberrant behavior and accident occurrence in public transport vehicle plying in Kerala. A linear regression model is developed to state the importance of causative factors in the occurrence of crashes.