Drink and substance abuse for Nigeria’s commercial drivers

Worrying data has been revealed by a study of bus drivers in Nigeria’s mega-city and commercial centre, Lagos. The research revealed that 39% or 781 of the 2,002 bus drivers tested drive while under the influence of alcohol. Also revealed was the fact that 940 of the drivers have visual impairments, with 13% having been given special glasses. And 22% of the drivers, 441, tested positive for either marijuana or cocaine use (and in some instances both). In addition, 30% of the drivers (601) were revealed to b
October 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Worrying data has been revealed by a study of bus drivers in Nigeria’s mega-city and commercial centre, Lagos. The research revealed that 39% or 781 of the 2,002 bus drivers tested drive while under the influence of alcohol. Also revealed was the fact that 940 of the drivers have visual impairments, with 13% having been given special glasses. And 22% of the drivers, 441, tested positive for either marijuana or cocaine use (and in some instances both).

In addition, 30% of the drivers (601) were revealed to be hypertensive. The study was carried out as part of the Lagos State Motor Park Health and Safety Initiative programme. The study tested drivers from Under Bridge Motor Park and Alaagba Motor Park at the Iyana Ipaja Area. Following the study, Lagos State is toughening its campaign against alcohol and substance abuse amongst drivers. The study also highlights a more widespread problem in Nigeria, which has serious safety issues on its road network and with drink and drug use common amongst drivers.

Related Content

  • Roadside drug tests for UK drivers
    January 27, 2015
    The police in England and Wales are introducing roadside tests to check whether drivers are under the influence of drugs. The crackdown on drug driving will see recently approved testing kits being used by traffic officers for enforcement purposes. Concern has been expressed following recent studies showing large numbers of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Young male drivers pose a particular risk for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. There are also
    Read More
  • European road safety points way ahead
    May 15, 2014
    The notable improvement in road safety statistics for Europe paint a promising picture with an 8% drop in fatalities recorded for 2013 compared with the previous year. This continues the steady reduction in the fatality rate, having followed a previous drop in road deaths. And it highlights how measures to control speeding and enforce laws against drink-driving have had a positive effect.
    Read More
  • US road safety is a cause for concern
    September 6, 2021
    There is concern over a worrying trend in US road safety, while there have been steady gains in road safety in Europe
    Read More
  • Australia’s road safety problems are a cause for concern
    January 23, 2019
    The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) has highlighted key problems with road safety. According to the ARRB, these issues must be addressed if Australia’s road casualty rate is to be reduced. Road death tolls are being reduced as he latest results show, but more work needs to be done. According to the ARRB, the road death tolls in Victoria dropped 20% for 2018 when compared with the previous year. This is a major improvement, showing the gains made by Victoria’s road agency VicRoads and the state’s Tr
    Read More

Highlighted Content