Relationship between road traffic law violation, accident and psychoactive substance use among commercial motorcycle operators in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Motorcycle operators who drive under the influence of psychoactive substances are at high risk for road traffic violations and accidents. Despite the high level of morbidity associated with psychoactive substance use, it is not a well-researched area in Northwestern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between psychoactive substance use and road traffic violations and accidents among motorcycle operators in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Instrument used for data collection included socio-demographic questionnaire and Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17th edition. Three hundred and ninety-four subjects participated in the study. Their age ranged between 22 to 60 years, with mean age of 32.7 years ± 6.6. Motorcycle operators who used substances were more likely to violate traffic laws (P < 0.001; O.R = 1.6 (0.8 – 3.1) and to have road traffic accidents (P = 0.004; O.R = 2.6 (1.4 – 4.7) compared to those who did not use substances. Positive correlation was found between road traffic violations, road traffic accidents and substance use status at 99% confidence interval. There was also significant relationship between specific substance use, road traffic violations and accidents. Psychoactive substance use increases the risk of road traffic violations and road traffic accidents among motorcycle operators. Public health measures should be instituted to reduce the rate of substance use among motorcycle operators and cut down its associated morbidity.   Key words: Psycho-active substance, road traffic accidents, road traffic violations, motorcycle operators, Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), Nigeria