Why Do Drivers Violate Traffic Rules? A study of Attitudinal Behaviour of Commercial Drivers in Minna, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the intensity of traffic rules violation in the city of Minna, explored the reasons for the violations and factors influencing the reasons advanced by the drivers. The study areawithin the city is a traffic light signal point along a busy thoroughfare where a 15-hour physical surveillance was mounted. This was followed by the administration of self-reporting questionnaire on 287 drivers selected from six motor parks. Analysis revealed 5,827 vehicles violating Red light, Zebra Crossing, Stop Line and Branching-Off Direction rules. ”Desire to have uninterrupted trip”; “Not to be seen as a fool”, and “In a hurry to reach my destination” are the three main reasons on which the drivers agreed consensually as the reasons for traffic rules violation. Profit motive, education level and drivers’ age are the factors mostly accounting for the statistically significant differences in reasons for traffic rules violation. Installation of cameras complemented by adequate and accurate road users’ database and commensurate punishments to deter breaking of traffic rules are advocated.