Drivers' Cycling Experiences and Acceptability of Micromobility Use among Children in Ghana

Apart from their potential environmental benefits, micromobility modes of transport can afford their users enormous health benefits. This notwithstanding, their adoption is very low or non-existent in most African cities including Ghana. The paucity of research on micromobility in Ghana restricts any objective discussions on the factors that contribute to its low adoption. However, data from elsewhere flag the lack of safe spaces as an important factor. The creation of safe spaces and a micromobility supportive environment will have to be premised on the nuanced understanding of existing intermodal interactions and con flicts. Although micromobility vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters are not common in Ghana, bicycles are, and they offer a window of opportunity to study intermodal interactions between cyclists (micromobility proxy) and other road users. Using a mixed methods approach, this study investigates the interactions and con flicts that arise between child cyclists and informal-sector commercial vehicle drivers in two Ghanaian cities (Cape Coast and Kumasi) and attempt to predict micromobility acceptability based on drivers' attitudes towards child cyclists and drivers cycling experiences. The results show a low acceptability of micromobility by drivers. They also had several negative stereotypes about cyclists and considered them illegitimate road users. Educational attainment, employment status, and priority access emerged as the best predictors of acceptability of micromobility use by informal-sector commercial drivers. Taken together, the low acceptability of micromobility and the negative perceptions drivers have of cyclists might present significant stumbling blocks to adoption of micromobility in the study areas. Further studies on the suitability of the built environment, intention-to-use, policy development as well as the development of a business model for micromobility will go a long way in shaping the next steps.

Estimating the burden of hypertension and its significant risk factors among male commercial drivers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe study was designed to assess the burden and significant risk factors among male commercial drivers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesMedline via PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane databases and Africa Journal Online were searched from January 2010 to December 2020.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesThe authors included observational studies reporting on the burden and/or risk factors for hypertension among commercial drivers in SSA. Male adult population ≥18 years working as a commercial driver in SSA as well articles published in English.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent coauthors used a prepared data extraction form to extract data from the eligible published papers and assessed the risk of bias. DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was used to pool the burden of hypertension and significant risk factors among male commercial drivers in SSA. The presence of heterogeneity among studies was quantified by estimating variance using both Cochrane’s Q statistics and the I2 statistics. A subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsOverall, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria involving a total of 4285 male commercial drivers in SSA. The estimated pooled burden of hypertension among the male commercial drivers in SSA was 32% (95% CI 24% to 39%). The risk factors identified were age OR=1.10 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.15), overweight/obese OR=3.38 (95% CI 2.46 to 4.29), alcohol consumption OR=3.00 (95% CI 2.05 to 3.95) and duration of driving (≥5 years) OR=1.83 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.63). Funnel plot inspection and Egger’s regression test of small effect (0.5838) showed no evidence of publication bias.ConclusionsOur review showed that nearly one-third of male commercial drivers in SSA have hypertension. Reduction of modifiable risk factors such as overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption and long-term driving through multifaceted implementation strategies are recommended for prevention and control of hypertension among male commercial drivers in SSA.Trial registration numberCRD42021250910.

Changing times and women on the wheels: a qualitative investigation of the experiences of female commercial drivers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to investigate female commercial drivers in the Lagos metropolis. The study sought to know the circumstances that motivated women to venture into commercial driving; the experiences they encounter whilst engaging with other stakeholders in the public space; the dimension of the conflict between work and family, and the coping strategies used and finally, the health concerns of female commercial drivers. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a cross-sectional design and a qualitative method of data collection. An in-depth interview guide was used to elicit information from 18 female drivers drawn from three sectors of commercial transportation in Lagos State. Findings It was found that the major motivation for engaging in commercial driving is the need for survival and family support; although participants acknowledged that they cannot be in the profession for a long time. Married women had less time to engage in commercial driving due to other family responsibilities. Women drivers have experienced mixed reactions from other road users. Commercial driving is physically demanding and poses threat to the health of female commercial drivers. Originality/value The findings highlight the circumstances behind women participating in commercial driving. Despite the challenges encountered in this course of this activity, they are still bent on continuing because of the need to take care of their children, a majority of their spouses are not fully contributing to the maintenance of the home.

Knowledge and practice of drivers on the provision of service to persons with visual disability: A survey of public transport drivers in a tertiary inclusion school in West Africa

Public transport plays an important role in improving mobility for persons with visual impairment. Commercial drivers are major stakeholders in ensuring that there are efficient and accessible public transport systems on university campuses that have a relatively high number of persons with visual impairment. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 90 taxi drivers who operate their services on the campus of a tertiary inclusion school. The drivers were surveyed on their knowledge and practices in providing services to persons with visual impairment. The findings show that 55 (61.1%) drivers knew how to identify a pedestrian with a visual disability by looking out for the white cane. A total of 77 (85.6%) drivers have also adopted the practice of stopping for pedestrians to cross the road. However, only 20 (22.5%) respondents agreed to reserve the front seat for the passenger with visual impairment. Participants were not knowledgeable on the sections of the disability act relating to the provision of transport services to persons with visual impairment nor the kind of punishment associated with breaching the rules. The study provides recommendations on how to bridge the gap between the demands of the disability act and the practices of commercial drivers.

Reimagine LNG – An Overview of the LNG Market Potentially Leading to a Future AFLOAT

Objective / Scope LNG has proven its worth, to meet energy demands throughout the globe at scale, whilst providing the cleanest fossil fuel. To complement the emerging trend of energy transition all over the globe, LNG provides a robust solution for a potential future. This paper will describe the current state and outlook of the LNG market, rethinking of LNG contracts and the major drivers that could favor a Floating LNG facility as a market driver compared to land-based facilities. Methods, Procedures, Process With recent events which include the oil price slump, LNG supply glut and the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the imbalance in the LNG market is predicted to run with low market price that could last up to four more years. On one hand, low market price is putting a lot of pressure on suppliers but on the flip side, this can be a game changer for the consumers. Consumers can potentially exploit buyers' market by making the investments much stronger to strive towards a clean future. Conventionally LNG producers have been land-based until facilities like Golar LNG made historical success. The focus of the Floating LNG industry is now directed towards small and mid-scale production. With a constant demand from stakeholders to get facilities up and running in a short development schedule, Floating LNG can provide some compelling benefits when combined with the concept of an economic time chartering investment rather than a CAPEX investment. This leads to a shortened execution time from discovery to market and avoids the extensive and time-consuming permitting and land use issues that are typical of onshore projects. The main drivers / challenges for a Floating LNG Facility investment are · Location, associated country regulatory restrictions · Source of gas · Market demand · Technology based on capacity · Project financing Floating LNG can not only provide economic benefits for first use but could also provide a commercial route to easy re-deployment to new gas sources, wherever necessary and possible. The paper will include: · Reflection on the LNG market of the recent past · Impact of COVID 19 on LNG market globally and the projected trends by various analysts · Overview of LNG contract types · Technical and commercial Drivers of Floating LNG which will potentially influence the market Results, Observations, Conclusions The take-away from this paper is a deeper understanding of the following: · Current LNG market and outlook · Reimagine LNG Contracts · Re-explore Floating LNG drivers Novel / Additive Information While the COVID 19 has created one of the reasons for the major impact on the market, this paper will present more interesting facts on many other contributing reasons for the present market downturn. This will in turn give an in-depth understanding for reimagining the major three drivers of Floating LNG, potentially leading to a WIN-WIN solution. This will help to sustain a constant cash flow amongst both sellers and buyers.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of First Aid Among Commercial Drivers: a Case Study of Commercial Drivers at the Central Motor Park, Itam, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

One hundred commercial drivers were randomly selected from the Central Motor Park, Itam, Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of first aid among the commercial drivers in the park. A questionnaire made up of two parts was used. Part A sought the demographic information while Part B sought information on knowledge, attitude and practice of first aid among commercial drivers. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics. The results revealed positive attitudes among the drivers towards the practice of first aid. However, the results also revealed poor knowledge and practice of first aid among the drivers. Recommendations were made for commercial drivers to be involved in first aid training programme organized periodically by the state government and transport companies. Also recommended is the inclusion of first aid training in the driving school curriculum.

Face Mask Use Among Commercial Drivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Accra, Ghana

The paper contributes to unravelling the perceptions of urban commercial drivers regarding their vulnerability to catching the SARS-CoV-2 virus while at work. It further examines how the perception of vulnerability influences personal use of face masks by drivers, as well as on their insistence on appropriate masking behaviour by other persons on-board public transport. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in informal public transport in Africa could facilitate the spread of the corona virus. However, the use of face masks, among other enhanced mitigation measures significantly contain and minimize the spread of the virus. Primary data, obtained through surveys at five major public transport terminals in Accra, was analysed and interpreted using the Health Belief Model as an explanatory framework. Results indicate that most drivers have a high vulnerability perception to Covid-19. It further emerged that older drivers, in particular, consistently wore face masks and insisted on other persons in their commercial vehicles to follow suit. Socio-demographic factors, and the need to ensure one’s personal safety and those of loved ones were critical determinants of face mask use among surveyed drivers. The study thus recommends that public awareness campaigns should strategically focus attention on the younger generation of drivers (i.e. 18–39 years) who perceived themselves to be immune to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, the collaborative efforts of state and non-state actors, like the transport operator unions, must be further strengthened if the gains made so far against Covid-19 is to be sustained.

Determinants of Road Traffic Accident Among Commercial Drivers in Rivers State

This study investigated the determinants of road traffic accidents among commercial drivers in Rivers State. Four research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The sample size included 400 hundred commercial drivers selected using a purposive and accidental sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.72. Data were analysed using percentages, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA. The result showed that age and drug use were a significant predictor of road traffic accident among commercial drivers in Rivers State (df=2, F=5.867, p<.05) and (df=2, F=8.429, p<.05). The findings also showed that level of education and years of work experience was not a significant predictor of road traffic accident among commercial drivers in Rivers State (df=3, F=1.534, p>.05) and (df=2, F=0.449, p>.05). Based on the findings, it was concluded that drivers’ age and drug use significantly predict of road traffic accident whereas drivers’ level of education and years of work experience does not a significantly predict of road traffic accident among commercial drivers in Rivers State. It was recommended among others that there should be total enforcement of traffic rules and regulation to correct erring drivers and the Government and affected institutions should take the issue of road construction and maintenance more seriously.