Oil and service companies have made massive efforts to minimize the risks associated with driving in Nigeria. Despite these efforts, most companies still record major accidents, including fatalities. Recently, a major service company implemented an active journey management system that has proved very effective in eliminating driving-related fatalities and accidents. The journey management system combines specific training, the use of driving monitors and risk-reward schemes for all the drivers. Major companies operating in Nigeria recognized the exceptional driving performance record resulting from this system in 2000. Subsequently, several companies initiated a cooperative program to implement the same journey management system. All participants observed a rapid driving performance improvement. The trend of the number and severity of all categories of driving-related accidents from all participating companies is shown. It compares favorably with statistics from other geographical areas and demonstrates that commitment and leadership deliver results, even in the most difficult conditions. Introduction Anywhere in the world, driving is the most dangerous activity in which most people participate everyday. The number of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities is considerable. Countries such as Nigeria are no exception to the rule. In fact, the risk associated with driving in Nigeria is higher than in many other countries: the condition of the roads, the condition of the other vehicles, the lack of respect for driving rules from most drivers, etc. In Nigeria, even the best driver in the best vehicle is exposed to high risk. No preventive maintenance is done on the average vehicle. A large majority of vehicles are more than 20 years old, and would not be considered roadworthy elsewhere. Yet, they are legion on the Nigerian roads. Everyday vehicles break down in the middle of the road and sit there until fixed. No day passes without a major accident with numerous casualties. Newspaper headlines such as "Bus driver lost control and hit stationary truck: 30 people died" are common. Oil exploration and production (E&P) is concentrated in the Niger Delta. This industry expanded for more than 40 years and led to significant increases in road traffic and subsequent deterioration in road quality. Despite substantial efforts from major oil companies, roads of the Niger Delta are in very poor condition, and they are constantly congested, making driving even more risky and leading to numerous accidents and fatalities. Past Records Despite industry efforts led by major oil and service companies, the driving records in Nigeria were rather notorious. For many years oil and service companies have operated in Nigeria, being exposed to driving risks and suffering losses, from simple vehicle accidents to fatalities. Between 1990 and 1999, a major oil company recorded between 4 and 22 driving-related fatalities. Until 1998, a major service company was recording around 50 serious accidents per 1000 vehicles (total accident cost in excess of 1,000 US$). Each accident was investigated, remedial measures were taken, local policies were implemented (such as no driving at night); yet the number of motor vehicle accidents did not substantially decline. This was a clear message that strong measures were required to improve driving performance in Nigeria.

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractOil and service companies have made massive efforts to minimize the risks associated with driving in Nigeria. Despite these efforts, most companies still record major accidents, including fatalities. Recently, a major service company implemented an active journey management system that has proved very effective in eliminating driving-related fatalities and accidents. The journey management system combines specific training, the use of driving monitors and risk-reward schemes for all the drivers.Major companies operating in Nigeria recognized the exceptional driving performance record resulting from this system in 2000. Subsequently, several companies initiated a cooperative program to implement the same journey management system. All participants observed a rapid driving performance improvement. The trend of the number and severity of all categories of driving-related accidents from all participating companies is shown. It compares favorably with statistics from other geographical areas and demonstrates that commitment and leadership deliver results, even in the most difficult conditions.