Is Cannabis Use Related to Road Crashes? A Study of Long Distance Commercial Drivers in Nigeria

Abstract

Factors associated with driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) and related road crashes among 422 commercial drivers were studied. A multivariate analysis was conducted to understand the associations between risk factors and DUIC and car crashes respectively. Young age, OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.9-7.6; cannabis abuse, OR = 4.1, 95% CI, 1.9-8.2; cannabis dependence, OR = 4.4, 95% CI, 2.1- 7.8; hire- driver, OR = 5.3, 95% CI, 2.0- 14.2, remained associated with DUIC after model adjustments while previous DUIC accidents, OR = 4.5, 95% CI, 2.2 -11.0; combined DUIC and driving under influence of alcohol (DUIA), OR = 5.1, 95% CI, 2.7 – 14.0, remained associated with cannabis related crashes after model adjustment. DUIC increases the risk of involvement in a crash most particularly if there is associated DUIA.

Key Words: Cannabis, driving under influence, Nigeria, road crashes, commercial drivers