An Investigation into The Roles of Muslim Leaders and Organisations in Promoting Road Safety Awareness for Accident Reduction among Commercial Motorists in Southwest Nigeria

Road traffic accidents remain a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with commercial motorists in the South-West region disproportionately affected despite ongoing regulatory efforts. This study examined the role of Islamic teachings, as disseminated by Muslim leaders and organizations, in shaping road safety awareness, attitudes, behaviors, and perceived barriers among commercial drivers. A mixed-methods descriptive survey design was adopted. Using a multistage sampling technique, 450 commercial drivers were selected from nine motor parks across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and weighted mean (criterion mean = 2.50), while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed low awareness of Islamic-based road safety messages (A.W.M. = 2.13), particularly those delivered through mosques and scriptural teachings. However, respondents demonstrated positive attitudes toward road safety when framed within Islamic principles (A.W.M. = 3.01), and perceived such teachings as effective in influencing safer driving behaviors (A.W.M. = 2.98). Despite this, significant environmental, institutional, and economic barriers hindered the practical application of these teachings (A.W.M. = 3.23). The study concludes that although Muslim leaders and organizations possess substantial moral influence, their potential remains underutilized in structured road safety education. It recommends collaborative, faith-based, context-specific interventions between religious bodies and road safety agencies.