Disrespect from passengers impacts mental health

The level of disrespect from passengers significantly impacts the mental health of commercial motor vehicle drivers in Ghana, contributing to stress and risky driving behaviors. Drivers often face challenging working conditions, including low wages, job insecurity, and aggressive competition, which are exacerbated by disrespectful interactions with passengers.

This disrespect can manifest as verbal abuse, unrealistic demands, and lack of appreciation, further straining the drivers' mental well-being. The stress from such interactions can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration, increasing the likelihood of road traffic accidents.

Additionally, the pressure to meet financial demands and the harassment from corrupt police officers compound the drivers' stress levels, making them more prone to dangerous driving behaviors. The prevalence of untreated ADHD among drivers, which is linked to higher rates of RTAs, suggests that mental health issues are already a significant concern in this population. Moreover, the lack of adequate driver training and poor working conditions contribute to a sense of fatalism and risk-taking propensity, further deteriorating their mental health.

The combination of these factors creates a vicious cycle where disrespect from passengers not only affects the drivers' mental health but also their driving behavior, leading to more accidents and further stress. Effective interventions should address these socio-economic and psychological stressors, promoting positive lifestyle changes and mental health support to improve the overall well-being of commercial motor vehicle drivers in Ghana.