306 A study on Tanzanian truck drivers’ attitudes towards advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent transport systems for road safety

Background Road safety is a significant concern in Tanzania due to the high number of commercial vehicle traffic accidents. Implementing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can improve safety. However, there is a need for further efforts to integrate and adopt these technologies. The perspectives of truck drivers, who often face challenges, are critical as their acceptance is crucial for advancing road safety in Tanzania. Objective This study investigates truck drivers' attitudes about ADAS and ITS in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The goal is to uncover drivers' views on the effectiveness, ease of use, and potential safety and performance advantages of ADAS and ITS technologies. Methods A survey was conducted among 207 truck drivers to determine how well they knew and valued ADAS and ITS technologies. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis with SPSS Version 29. In addition, in-depth interviews were held with key stakeholders 15 (i.e., driving schools, freight companies, providers of vehicle tracking systems, government representatives, officials from road infrastructure and traffic police departments) to obtain more detailed insights. Results The study found that truck drivers have moderate familiarity with ADAS and ITS technologies. The most recognized technologies are Vehicle Tracking Systems, alcohol detectors and mobile speed cameras. A significant finding is that drivers tend to find these technologies more valuable when familiar with them. Critical insights from semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders highlight several challenges and opportunities. High initial costs and the need for more technical know-how among drivers and within the industry are significant barriers to adopting ADAS and ITS. Poor infrastructure also presents a significant challenge. However, opportunities exist, such as potential partnerships between the government and private sector, to fund and encourage the use of these technologies. Offering targeted training programs for truck drivers could improve their understanding and usage of ADAS and ITS. Moreover, policy measures like subsidies and incentives could help adopt these technologies. Conclusions The research on Dar es Salaam truck drivers shows they are aware of ADAS and ITS. Drivers more familiar with these technologies recognize their benefits but face challenges such as high costs, lack of skills, and poor infrastructure that hinder their adoption. Proposed solutions include government-private partnerships for funding, driver training, and subsidies to encourage more significant usage. Increasing driver awareness of ADAS and ITS is crucial for safer and more efficient trucking. Furthermore, further research is recommended on the longterm impact of these technologies on road safety.