THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE PERFORMANCES OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR-CYCLE AND BUS DRIVERS IN ZARIA URBAN CENTER, KADUNA STATE.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of drug abuse on the performance of commercial drivers of motor-cycle and buses in Zaria urban center. Questionnaire was used as instrument to collect the data accompanied with verbal interview where applicable. The instrument used was validated and tested for reliability. 250 sampled respondents were used with 150 as motor-cycle drivers and 100 as bus drivers respectively. Administration of the questionnaire was carried out at their various parks/terminals to ensure that only registered members/dwellers were interviewed not passer-byes. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Frequency counts, percentages and means were also used while the hypothesis was tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The responses on drug abuse and its influence on the performance of commercial drivers were positive and significant. Hence it was concluded that majority (68%) of the respondents abused drugs such as Tobacco or Marijuana randomly. Frequent rates of accidents was linked to drug abused as the major cause, hence, it was recommended amongst others that Unions of commercial transport workers/owners, Federal/State Government, Communities, parents and owners of the machines/buses should monitor the activities of the drivers and apply strict measures to avoid access and intake of such drugs. It was also recommended that only medically certified persons by medical professionals should be allowed in driving commercial automobiles as applicable to political office seekers.