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

  • Concern at high US crashes
    September 30, 2020
    There is concern at the high US road crash rate.
    Read More
  • US plan to target drunk driving
    January 9, 2014
    A new agreement in the US will help tackle the issue of drink driving using sophisticated in-car technologies. The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is extending its cooperative agreement with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), which comprises 15 automakers. This agreement will see research continuing into advanced alcohol detection technology that could prevent vehicles from being driven by a drunk driver. “Drunk driving remains a deadly crime
    Read More
  • New airport link road for Lagos
    March 19, 2019
    A rebuilt highway will improve transport from Nigeria’s commercial centre, Lagos, to its main airport. The project is providing a new highway stretch featuring up to five lanes in either direction from Oshodi on the west of the city out to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which lies to the north. The work commenced in 2017 and is being carried out by the local contractor Hitech Construction Company. The new route will provide an improved connection from the Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway and the proje
    Read More
  • Road safety for Thailand and Morocco
    November 27, 2012
    Both in Thailand and Morocco the authorities are looking separately at ways in which road safety can be improved. The two countries face similar problems with regard to road safety and have, independently, embarked on similar paths with a view to resolving the issue. Morocco’s Works and Transport Ministry is setting up a think tank that will attempt to tackle the country’s growing rate of road fatalities. The Moroccan Government intends to ban the use of unroadworthy vehicles and will further amend the cou
    Read More

Highlighted Content