EFFECT OF HEALTH EDUCATION TRAINING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE OF RISKY DRIVING BEHAVIOURS AMONG COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

This paper assessed the effect of health education training on risky driving behaviours (RDB) among commercial vehicle drivers in Ondo State using the quasi-experimental design. Thirty commercial drivers were selected from 2 local government areas for the study using the multistage sampling procedure. Information on knowledge levels about RDB, the perception of safety consciousness, perceived self-efficacy to adhere to safe driving and attitudinal disposition to road traffic regulations was collected before and after the intervention using a structured questionnaire. Statistical data analyses were done at p≤0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained appropriately. Results showed that most of the drivers had a relatively high level of experience (16 to 20 years) although most had less than secondary education (60% for control and 53% for experimental groups). Baseline result showed that commercial road drivers in the study area had poor knowledge and attitude with regards to safe driving and following traffic regulation. Most of the drivers also had a carefree attitude and poor perception with respect to adherence to safe practices despite the information provided by the union of road transport workers and the federal road safety corps). However, after the training intervention, there was a significant improvement in the knowledge, perception and attitude of the drivers exposed to the training. Based on the results, it is recommended that there is a need for the health sector to be fully involved in taking initiative while collaborating with an appropriate government agency to conduct periodic training and awareness campaign on road safety, especially among commercial road users.