Assessment of driver fatigue as a contributory factor in articulated truck accidents in Nigeria

Driver fatigue is a significant factor contributing to road traffic accidents, especially among drivers of articulated trucks who often operate under intense time and operational pressure. This investigation evaluates the influence of driver fatigue on truck-related accidents within the Nigerian context, scrutinizing pivotal fatigue-associated elements such as duration of rest, travel duration, and their association with the frequency of accidents. A structured questionnaires was used to gather data from 250 truck drivers traversing major freight routes in Nigeria. Quantitative data were subjected to analysis through descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. The results indicate that 74 % of truck drivers obtain merely 1 to 3 h of rest during their journeys, with 65 % indicating travel durations that exceed 11 h for each trip. Statistical evaluations reveal a noteworthy correlation between fatigue-related factors and the frequency of accidents, with travel duration (B = 0.269, p < 0.001) and rest duration (B = 0.210, p = 0.088) identified as principal predictors. Drivers who partake in extended driving periods without sufficient rest demonstrate a 26.9 % heightened probability of being involved in accidents. The research underscores that erratic work schedules, postponed meal intervals, and trip-based remuneration frameworks intensify levels of fatigue. The policy implications underscore the pressing necessity for the rigorous enforcement of obligatory rest periods, the integration of fatigue-monitoring technologies, and the creation of designated resting areas for trucks. The implementation of these measures could alleviate fatigue-related accidents and enhance road safety within Nigeria's transportation sector. Subsequent research should investigate the long-term ramifications of fatigue mitigation strategies and analyze comparative frameworks from other regions to optimize policy efficacy.