ABSTRACT
Traffic crashes are a significant public health nuisance that affects humanity. Regrettably, human elements have been implicated as major risk factors. This study investigated driving behaviours (driving errors, driving lapses, ordinary driving violations, Aggressive driving, and positive driving) and their consequences on auto crashes. To guide this study, multiple variables were investigated under multiple regression with corresponding research question and hypothesis at appropriate levels of significance. The study utilised a survey, particularly cross-sectional survey. The population of the study comprised all the 2574 registered intra-city commercial drivers in Edo State. The sample size was 520 commercial drivers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The research instrument was subjected to face, content, and construct validity. The sample size was 520 commercial drivers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The research instrument was subjected to face, content and construct validity. The reliability of the instruments was established with Cronbach alpha, which yielded a value of 0.80 for error subscale; 0.78 for lapses subscale; 0.75 for ordinary violation subscale; 0.86 for aggressive violation subscale and 0.81 for positive driving subscale respectively. The research instrument was the Hybrid driving behaviour questionnaire adapted from 28-item abridged version of the Driving Behaviour Questionnaire and positive driving behaviour questionnaire. Data generated from the instrument were analysed with factor analysis and multiple regression. The findings revealed that driving behaviours (driving errors, driving lapses, ordinary driving violations, aggressive driving violations, and positive driving) were significantly related to and predictive of traffic crashes among commercial drivers. It xii further showed that three of the five driving behaviours (positive driving, driving errors, and ordinary driving violations) were significant predictors of traffic crashes. However, positive driving negatively predicted traffic crashes. Aggressive driving and driving lapses, on the other hand, did not significantly predict traffic crashes. Therefore, it was recommended that adequate attention should be directed towards stemming the tide of aberrant driving behaviours (errors, ordinary driving violations, aggressive driving, and lapses) of commercial drivers through comprehensive road safety campaigns and awareness programmes. Further, there should be stringent enforcement of road safety rules. Since positive driving behaviour component negatively predicts traffic crashes, it should be routinely reinforced by rewarding drivers who exhibits rare safe driving behaviours. This will stimulate adherence on the part of other drivers and ultimately results in decreased crashes in the long term.
