Use of mobile phone while driving in a Nigerian Community

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the practice of mobile phone use while driving amongst non- professional drivers in Owo, Nigeria. This study was conducted in March and April,2008. One hundred and two non-professional drivers were interviewed by the author with the aid of semi-structured questionnaire. Information obtained included their bio- data, use of mobile phone while driving as well as respondents awareness and views on the ban on use of mobile phone while driving. The data obtained with the study instrument (questionnaire) was collated and analyzed with SPSS 12.0.1. Few respondents 24 (23.5%) made calls while driving but the remaining 78(76.5%) did not. Half of the respondents (50%) received calls while driving. Few respondents : 24(23.5%) read text messages while driving. Very few respondents (3.9%) sent text messages while driving. Majority of the respondents : 98 (96.1%) were aware of the ban on use of mobile phone while driving in Nigeria. There is need to discourage the use of mobile phone while driving.
Key words: Mobile phone use, driving, Nigeria.
Nigerian Hospital Practice Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 50-53