Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of commercial drivers in Ghana regarding alcohol impaired driving

Abstract

Objectives: The knowledge and attitudes of commercial drivers in Ghana as regards alcohol impaired driving were investigated. This was done in order to provide information that could subsequently be used to develop antidrunk driving social marketing messages built upon the intrinsic values and motivation of these drivers. Methods: Focus group discussions were held with 43 bus and minibus drivers in the capital city, Accra. A structured discussion guide was used to capture information related to values, risk perceptions, leisure time activities, and attitudes on alcohol impaired driving. Results: The majority of drivers expressed an understanding that drunk driving was a significant risk factor for crashes. There was a significant under-appreciation of the extent of the problem, however. Most believed that it was only rare, extremely intoxicated drivers who were the problem. The drivers also had a minimal understanding of the concept of blood alcohol concentration and related legal limits. Despite these factors, there was widespread support for increased enforcement of existing antidrunk driving laws. Conclusions: In Ghana, commercial drivers understand the basic danger of drunk driving and are motivated to assist in antidrunk driving measures. There are misconceptions and deficits in knowledge that need to be addressed in subsequent educational campaigns.I njuries are one of the leading causes of death in both developed and less developed countries (LDCs). However, whereas rates of injury related death are decreasing in most developed countries, they are on the increase in most LDCs. [1][2][3][4] One of the main causes of injury fatalities is road traffic related. Recent data from the World Health Organization show that in the developing world as a whole, road traffic crashes alone are the third leading cause of death in 5-14 year olds and the second leading cause in 15-44 year olds. 5Despite this problem, limited attention has been focused on issues related to road safety in LDCs. Matters crying out for attention involve the entire spectrum of road safety activities, including safer road infrastructure, vehicle design and maintenance, and driver behavior. As regards driver behavior, a major risk factor in developed countries has been alcohol impaired driving. 1 6 7 Accordingly, one of the cornerstones of road safety efforts in these countries has been antidrunk driving measures.From the evidence, it appears that the situation is similar in many other LDCs. In a recent review of the literature, Odero et al summarized a total of 26 articles on alcohol involvement in motor vehicle related injuries in LDCs.8 Almost all studies reported high rates of alcohol use by drivers involved in crashes producing both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Rates of alcohol impaired driving (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) >80 mg/dl) among these drivers ranged from 30% to 53%, [9][10][11][12][13][14] similar to the values reported from the USA in the past few decades. 6 15Likewise, a recent roadside breathalyzer survey in Ghana 16 sho...

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