Driving under influence among long distance commercial drivers in ilorin, nigeria.

Abstract

Aims: Motor vehicle accident (MVA) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in our environment, and driving under the influence of central nervous system (CNS) active agents such as alcohol has been implicated in the occurrence of MVAs. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the use of CNS active drugs, specifically; alcohol, kola-nut and cigarette, while driving, among the long distance drivers in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: Consecutive and consenting commercial intercity vehicle drivers were interviewed face to face at the five major motor parks in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on bio-demographic data, driving history, history and cause of MVA in the previous 10 years and use of CNS active drugs such as alcohol, kola-nut and cigarette smoking. Results: Out of 405 listed drivers, 399 (98.5%) were interviewed. All were males. The mean age (sd) was 44.7 (10.1) years. One hundred and sixty-eight (42.1%) had no form of western education, while 149 (37.3%) had primary education. Mean (sd) duration of driving was 18.2 (6.6) years. Eighty-three drivers (20.8%) had been involved in MVAs over the previous 10 years. The prevalence of daily alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking while driving, and eating kola-nut while driving were 11.5%, 25.8%, and 48.4% respectively. Those engaged in eating kola-nut while driving were twice as likely to have been involved in MVAs in the previous 10 years (OR 1.95, 95% CI; 1.16, 3.31). Conclusion: Alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and kola-nut eating while driving is common among commercial intercity vehicle drivers in Ilorin, Nigeria. There is need to enforce existing laws, educate the drivers and the general public on the potential dangers of this habits, and conduct further research into road safety in Nigeria.