Background

Heavy goods vehicle drivers are an influential driving population in Nepal, with over 90% of goods in the country are transported by road. Due to the time spent on the road, drivers have long periods of exposure to the risk of crash involvement. The study explores the perceptions and experiences of heavy goods vehicle drivers and representatives from their professional association regarding road danger.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen heavy goods vehicle drivers regularly driving on the East-West highway of Makwanpur District, Nepal. A focus group was conducted with eleven members from a major transportation entrepreneur's association in Nepal. The focus group and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were developed- assumptions of blame; perceptions of safety culture in the trucking industry; influence of road infrastructure; and behaviours of road users. The road and traffic environment, enforcement, and the safety culture in the heavy vehicle industry not only influenced the attitudes of the road users towards traffic safety but also legitimized and encouraged behaviours that affect safety. General and industry-related road safety improvements suggested by participants included: making provision for heavy good vehicles parking areas, separating the highway with a median strip, improving crash investigation capacity, conducting road safety awareness and training programs, strictly enforcing the speed limit and laws about driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and formulating strategies to create a safe, supportive working environment in the heavy vehicle industry.

Conclusion

Heavy goods vehicle drivers and members of the professional association can provide rich information regarding the barriers and facilitators of road risk in Nepal. Their perceptions and opinions can contribute to devising interventions at individual, societal, organizational, and governmental levels, and inform efforts to develop a positive safety culture within the heavy vehicle transport industry.

中文翻译：

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中低收入国家的道路安全和重型货车驾驶：来自尼泊尔的定性证据

 背景

重型货车司机是尼泊尔有影响力的驾驶人群，该国90%以上的货物通过公路运输。由于在路上花费的时间，驾驶员会长时间暴露在发生碰撞事故的风险中。该研究探讨了重型货车驾驶员及其专业协会代表对道路危险的看法和经验。

 方法

我们对 15 名经常在尼泊尔马克万普尔区东西向高速公路上行驶的重型货车司机进行了半结构化采访。来自尼泊尔一家主要运输企业家协会的 11 名成员组成了一个焦点小组。焦点小组和访谈均经过录音、转录、翻译，并使用主题分析进行分析。

 结果

制定了四个主题——指责的假设；对货运行业安全文化的看法；道路基础设施的影响；和道路使用者的行为。重型车辆行业的道路和交通环境、执法和安全文化不仅影响道路使用者对交通安全的态度，而且使影响安全的行为合法化和鼓励。与会者建议的一般和行业相关的道路安全改进措施包括：提供重型车辆停车区、用隔离带分隔高速公路、提高事故调查能力、开展道路安全意识和培训计划、严格执行限速和法律关于在酒精/药物影响下驾驶，并制定策略以在重型车辆行业创造一个安全、支持性的工作环境。

 结论

重型货车司机和专业协会成员可以提供有关尼泊尔道路风险的障碍和促进因素的丰富信息。他们的看法和意见有助于在个人、社会、组织和政府层面制定干预措施，并为在重型车辆运输行业内发展积极的安全文化的努力提供信息。