Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards drunk driving as a risk factor for road traffic accidents among public bus drivers in Ndola, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: Road Traffic Accidents account for about 1.4 million deaths globally. Human error, alcohol abuse in particular by road users is the leading cause of traffic accidents. Road Traffic accidents in Zambia are ranked the third highest cause of death for people aged between 5 and 25.The aim of the study was to establish knowledge, attitude and practices towards drunk driving. Method: The study was a cross sectional study that included randomly selected public bus drivers at Mulungushi bus station in the city of Ndola in Zambia. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of drivers. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS V 20.0.Results: The study enrolled 384 participants. The study showed that all the participants had a poor knowledge towards drunk driving despite 60.6%(n=223) of the participants knowing that alcohol impairs judgment and 63.5%(n=243) knowing that alcohol is a risk factor for the increasing number of road traffic accidents.69.3%(n=266) of the participants had negative attitude towards drunk driving, 54.7%(n=210) had good practices towards drunk driving. However, only44.6 %( n=132) admitted to drinking and driving of which only 11 %( n=15) do it all the time. Conclusion: The study revealed a poor knowledge and attitude towards drunk driving among public bus drivers in Ndola. The study also showed that a majority of the public bus drivers had good practices towards drunk driving. As such there is need to put in measures in the areas of knowledge and attitude towards drunk driving which may include sensitization of public bus drivers on the effects of drunk driving. This can be done through road safety campaigns by relevant authorities.