Examination of Personal Accident Insurance Awareness Among Commercial Drivers in Kogi State

This research examines personal accident insurance awareness and coverage among commercial drivers in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Commercial drivers are among the occupational groups at highest risk of fatal and non-fatal road traffic accidents in Nigeria, yet their ownership of personal accident insurance is negligible beyond mandatory third-party motor liability coverage. The study is situated in Kogi State, a confluence zone state with high commercial vehicle traffic along major national highways including the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin road corridor. A descriptive survey design is adopted with 280 commercial inter-state drivers sampled from three major motor parks in Lokoja. Structured questionnaires assess awareness of personal accident insurance products, willingness to pay for coverage, understanding of the distinction between third-party liability and personal accident insurance, and prior loss experience. The study also examines the role of commercial drivers' unions in facilitating group personal accident insurance coverage. Descriptive statistics including percentages and means are applied alongside chi-square tests. Preliminary findings suggest that fewer than 10 percent of respondents are aware of personal accident insurance as a product category distinct from mandatory third-party insurance. The study recommends driver union-facilitated group enrollment schemes and targeted awareness programs through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Keywords: Personal Accident Insurance, Commercial Drivers, Kogi State, Road Traffic Risk, Insurance Awareness.