Drivers’ Seatbelt Usage, In Minna, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Five settlements in Minna, Niger State capital were examined to determine drivers` attitudes and behaviours regarding usage of seatbelts. Multiple data Collection methods consisting of semi-structured interviews to create questionnaire for an in-person survey for 100 drivers each, for five different locations that was used. The questions explored why Minna drivers used or do not use seatbelts and what they think would be the best interventions to increase the rate of seatbelt usage in Minna by drivers. The outcome of all the aforementioned were translated into charts and following outcome was obtained. The composition of gender, for the respondent are 87% male and 13% female, showing that, out of this number 33% are married while 64% are unmarried and 3% are divorced. The finding also showed that the most prevalent age of driver is between age 36 to age 45 and it is said to be the productive age. It was also discovered that majority of the driver interviewed are Nigerlite constituting 64% of those interviewed. It was also noted that, a driver is 87% safer when seat belt is used as compared to not using seatbelt of 37% safe when accident or crash happen. It was therefore advised that sustained radio and television advertisement be done to encourage the use of seatbelt in Northern Nigeria.