Drug Intake among Commercial Motorcyclists and its Implications on Travelling Behaviour in Lagos (Nigeria) Environment

In recent time commercial motor cyclists contributed significantly to the improvement in efficient service delivery in our society. The presence of commercial motorcycle in our major cities also constitutes a serious threat to the environment. The threat has been traced to drug in- take by the operators of the commercial motor- cycles. This study, therefore, assess drug intake among commercial motorcyclists and its implications on travelling behaviour in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were collected in ten motor-cycle parks through randomly sampling method for the research. From these ten parks, two hundred and thirty eight (238) commercial motorcycle riders were sampled. Information collected from the Okada riders include; frequency of intake of alcohol, cigarettes, kolanuts, Indian hemp etc. The effects of these drugs on them and their job deliveries and reasons for taking such drugs were also asked. Data collected were analyzed, using descriptive statistics and Chi square techniques. The results indicated that the incidence of drugs abuse among commercial motorcyclists ranged from 23.8% (Sedatives) to 88.9% (Analgesics). It was also discovered that involvement in accidents in the study area is influenced by age of riders. However, the general view was that commercial motor-cyclists should be persuaded from taking drugs of any form for purposes of energizing themselves because of their health and that of others whom they profess to serve.