Substance Use and Drivers’ Perception of Road Accidents: Evidence from District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Substance use and drivers’ perception of road accidents in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A sample of 285 drivers was randomly selected from four major bus stands: General Bus Stand, Ahmad Brothers Coach Dir Flying Coach (ABC DFC), Malak Bus Stand, and New Dir Flying Coach Company (NDFC). Data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were applied for univariate analysis, while the chi-square test was employed for bivariate analysis to examine the association between the dependent variable (drivers’ perception of road accidents) and the independent variable (Substance use). Association between substance use and drivers perception of road accidents show that drivers perception of road accidents had a highly significant association (P =0.000) with drivers occasionally drive after consuming alcohol or other substances, drivers sometimes use drugs or alcohol while driving (P =0.000), drivers feel confident in their abilities to drive safely under the influence of substances (P =0.037), drivers have seen others drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs frequently (P =0.000), driver’s reaction time decreases after drinking alcohol or using drugs (P =0.000), and drivers have been in situations where they were tempted to drive after consuming substances (P =0.002). It is concluded from the study that use of drugs/alcohol or other substances are frequently used by drivers while driving. They are confident of their abilities to drive safely under the influence of drug or alcohol. The peer influence promotes drug use during driving that negatively impact driving performance, vehicle control and drivers’ reaction time which increase the chances of road accidents. Therefor it is recommended to Increase checkpoints and monitoring to ensure compliance with using drugs and drive. In addition, providing traffic authorities with tools to conduct routine drug and alcohol testing among drivers to reduce impaired driving.