CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERCITY COMMERCIAL DRIVERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ROAD SAFETY.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and safety practices of commercial intercity bus drivers towards 
occupational health hazards, in Benin City, Edo State. 
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was adopted for the study. One hundred and 
ninety four long distance drivers selected using systematic random sampling technique were 
interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed with IBM 
SPSS version 21.0 software. The level of significant was set at p< 0.05.
Results: The mean age (SD) of respondents was 40.50 ± 7.31. One hundred and seven (55.2%) 
respondents had fair knowledge of occupational hazards. Majority 149 (76.8%) of the respondents had a 
negative attitude towards occupational health hazards associated with commercial intercity 
transportation. One hundred and fifty five (59.3%) of the respondents had fair occupational safety 
practice.
Conclusion: The study revealed a relatively fair knowledge and safety practice towards occupational 
hazards among the respondents. Despite this, majority of the respondents had a negative attitude 
towards occupational hazards and safety. Hence, the need to increase the awareness levels of these 
drivers on occupational hazards and workplace safety practices through continuous and regular health 
education messages and training