Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Traffic Rules Among Commercial Drivers in Benin Metropolis, EDO State: Public Health Implications for Road Safety

Abstract Background Road traffic injuries (RTIs) represent a critical global public health crisis which is hitting low- and middle-income countries disproportionately hard. This study assessed the knowledge thresholds and behavioural attitudes toward traffic rules among commercial drivers within the Benin metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria, to highlight the critical public health implications for urban road safety. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study with a sample size of 138 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the reliability coefficient was 0.79, which indicated an acceptable reliability for the study. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, and hypotheses were tested using Chi-square statistics at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings: The majority of respondents exhibited a high level of foundational traffic knowledge, with 73% correctly identifying basic traffic rules, road signs, and signal indicators. Attitudes toward traffic regulations were generally positive which yielded a grand attitudinal mean score of 3.81, with 77% strongly agreeing that strict compliance prevents accidents. Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between a driver's knowledge level and their attitudinal disposition (χ² = 7.096, p < 0.05). Furthermore, formal education level significantly influenced safety attitudes (χ² = 23.9, p < 0.05), whereas driving experience had no statistically significant impact on regulatory knowledge. Conclusion While commercial operators within the Benin metropolis possess an encouraging baseline of road safety knowledge, translation into safe behaviour remains an active public health challenge. To close this gap and reduce road fatalities, the study recommends institutionalizing mandatory formal driver training, periodic professional re-certification, strict law enforcement, and targeted public health communication campaigns.