Driving under influence among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, South West Region, Nigeria. -

Objectives: Motorized automobile accident is a substantial cause of ailments and death in our neighbourhood and driving under the influence of various agents affecting the central nervous system such as alcohol have been associated with the occurrence of auto accidents as most users believe these agents will help control probable sleep while driving. This study is therefore designed to examine the use of alcohol among long distance commercial drivers in the course of driving in Akure, Nigeria. Methodology: An open-ended structured questionnaire was administered consecutively to 405 consenting male long distance commercial drivers by interviewer in each of the selected parks. The cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprised sections on socio-demographic data, driving experience, ocular history, auto-accident history as well as information about alcohol consumption. Results: The mean age (SD) was 38.4 (9.5) years while the mean (SD) driving duration was 8.1 (5.8) years. 144 respondents (35.6%) had primary school leaving certificate while 103 respondents (25.4%) had secondary school leaving certificate with 22 respondents (5.4%) having no form of western education. 155 drivers (38.3%) had been involved into auto accident in the past five years. The prevalence of alcohol consumption shortly before or while driving was 20.5%. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is very rampant among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, Nigeria. Thus, more education on the possible hazards of this conduct is required for these drivers alongside the entire populace so as ascertain safer roads in the country.