Risk Factors of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) Among Commercial Inter-State Drivers in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) constitute a major public health problem globally with its effects felt more in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Millions of lives, globally, are lost annually and several others are disabled following RTAs with human, vehicular and road environment being identified by literatures as the common risk factors of RTAs. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) of Nigeria reported in 2014 that an estimated 1,991 lives were lost to RTAs in Lagos, Nigeria alone in the preceding four years. The majority of the populations affected in RTAs are within active working age group. Aim: This study was therefore designed to identify and discuss these risk factors as well as assess respondents’ knowledge about road traffic signs. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 422 consenting commercial drivers in Lagos state with a pretested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression with significance determined at p≤0.05 Results: Age of the respondents was 44.0±10.3 years. Majority were married with only 8.1% with tertiary education. The reported case of RTAs among the respondents’ was 40%. Other road users’ faults and brake failure were reported as the main human and vehicular contributors to RTAs occurrence. Majority of the RTAs occurred on tarred, two-carriage roads. Generally, respondents had good knowledge of regulatory road traffic signs than the warning road traffic signs. History of arrest for traffic offences (OR = 1.8, 95% C.I = 1.1-2.9, p = 0.021) and use of alcohol (OR = 1.8, 95% C.I= 1.0-3.0, p = 0.036) were identified as predictors of involvement in RTAs in this survey. Conclusion and Recommendation: Considering the various health, social, economic and psychosocial impacts of RTAs on individuals, families, nation and global community; targeted awareness to improve the knowled