THE CAUSES AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FREQUENT.VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF IMO STATE)
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Engineering Management Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu, Nigeria.
- 2. Department of Agriculture & Bioresources Engineering. Faculty of Engineering, Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Agbani,
- 3. Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State Nigeria
Description
This study investigates the causes and economic consequences of frequent vehicle breakdowns in Nigeria, employing a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through observations, questionnaires, and interviews with drivers, vehicle owners, and fleet managers, alongside secondary data from the University Teaching Hospital Owerri to assess the economic impact of breakdowns due to accidents. The analysis utilized a Binary Logistic Regression Model and Chi-square tests, facilitated by SPSS software. Results indicated statistical significance (p < 0.05) in rejecting null hypotheses, demonstrating associations between independent variables and frequent breakdowns. The Binary Logistic Regression model improved classification accuracy from 77.1% to 95.6% with the inclusion of independent variables, all of which were statistically significant. The likelihood of frequent breakdowns increased substantially with a one-unit change in independent variables. Notably, inexperienced and reckless drivers contributed the most, with a 1782% increase in odds, followed by poor vehicle maintenance (1163%), overaged vehicles (1024%), bad roads (889%), and untrained auto technicians (739%). These findings underscore the influence of these factors on vehicle breakdown frequency. Additionally, the study highlighted the significant economic impact of vehicle breakdowns, particularly road traffic accidents. Medical data revealed that out of 1967 accident victims, 94.26% sustained injuries, 2.90% underwent amputation, and 2.84% were fatal, with additional financial and temporal costs incurred by motorists. The study underscores the urgency of implementing strategic policies to address issues such as inexperienced and reckless drivers. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers and scholars working on topics related to frequent vehicle breakdowns, offering a foundation for evidence-based interventions in Nigeria's transportation sector