Road Safety Officers' Perceptions of Awareness and Compliance to Safety Measures among Oil and Gas Tanker Drivers in North-Central Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Background: Nigeria faces a significant road safety issue, particularly in the oil and gas industry, where tanker trucks are frequently involved in road traffic accidents (RTAs), leading to fatalities and severe injuries. Road signs are essential for promoting safety; however, neglecting them has contributed to increased RTAs in North-central Nigeria, exacerbating challenges related to sustainable development goals (SDGs). Objectives of the study: This study investigates the awareness and compliance levels of oil and gas tanker drivers towards road signs, explores approaches to enhance intrapersonal behaviour, evaluates the effectiveness of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) Officer's awareness methods, and identifies perceived barriers to road sign compliance by oil and gas tanker drivers. Methodology: FRSC officers participated in this study, and interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data collected from the interviews. Results: The study reveals that oil and gas tanker drivers in the North-central region have increased awareness but lack compliance, affecting SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Educational challenges, limited training programmes, and illiteracy are barriers to compliance. Unique Contribution: The study explores the intricate link between educational challenges, road safety compliance, and SDGs, offering a foundation for targeted interventions and policies to improve road safety. Conclusion: Due to illiteracy and educational deficiencies, Nigeria's oil and gas tanker drivers face challenges in complying with road signs. Training efforts have not fully addressed these issues, and barriers like illiteracy and union influence persist. Key Recommendation: To align with SDGs 3 and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the recommendations include enhancing road sign comprehension, revising training, expanding outreach, collaborating with unions, strengthening awareness, and preventing union exploitation among oil and gas tanker drivers.