Structural Pressures and Risky Driving Behavior among Commercial Drivers in Nigeria: Evidence from a Theory of Planned Behavior Framework

Abstract

Risky driving behavior among commercial transport drivers remains a major contributor to road safety challenges in many developing countries. While previous studies have largely focused on individual attitudes and driver characteristics, limited attention has been given to the broader institutional and economic pressures that shape driver’s behavior. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examines how perceived behavioral control, enforcement dynamics, peer influence, and financial pressures affect fatigue, driving behavior and regulatory non-compliance among commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to commercial drivers operating in Kaduna State, and the data was analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The results show that financial pressure, perceived behavioral control, and owner–loan repayment obligations significantly increase fatigue-related driving behavior, while regulatory non-compliance is primarily influenced by financial pressure, enforcement pressure, and peer norms within driver networks. The findings suggest that risky driving behavior in informal transport systems is shaped not only by individual decision-making but also by structural labor and institutional conditions. The study emphasizes the need for transport safety policies that address economic incentives, enforcement practices, and operational governance within the commercial transport sector.