Awareness of Hazards and Use of GSM Mobile Phone among Non-Commercial Drivers in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Driver distractions have been suggested as a contributor to traffic accidents. Results indicate that the accident risk can increase when a driver is using the mobile telephone in a car. This study was conducted to determine use of mobile phone by non-commercial drivers and their awareness and attitude to the related risks. Method: This is a descriptive survey. Two-hundred and sixty-seven randomly selected non-commercial drivers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Results: Most respondents 240(90.6%) are aware that GSM use while driving increase risk of road traffic accident (RTA). A high proportion of respondents 205 (72.7%) are aware of devices that reduce hazards from mobile phones. Less than a third (27.5%) admits using mobile phone while driving, only 92(37.7%) use hand free cord while driving. Significantly higher proportion of males than females use GSM phones while driving (p 0.05). But no significant sex difference among those who put off their phones while driving or use hand free cord while driving (p 0.05). Conclusion: Most studies have shown that the relative risk of all accidents and of accidents with injuries is higher for users of cell phones than for non-users. There is thus an urgent need to make users aware of the dangers and for appropriate legislation and enforcement of the legislation.