Risk behaviors for road traffic crashes among commercial motorcyclists in a semi-urban area of Ogun State, Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of clinical sciences 2020-04, Vol.17 (2), p.38-45
• Main Authors: Sodeinde, Kolawole, Odukoya, Oluwakemi, Charles-Eromosele, Titilope, Olufunlayo, Tolulope
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: crashes; ikenne; motorcycle; risky behavior
• ISSN: 2468-6859; 2408-7408
• DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_15_19

Background: Over the past three decades, there has been an increase in the use of motorcycles as a means of transportation in Nigeria. Motorcycle-related crashes have also been on the rise, with human error accounting for up to 90% of traffic accidents in Nigeria. This study aimed to identify risky behaviors for road traffic crashes among commercial motorcyclists in Ikenne local government of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 commercial motorcyclists selected using multistage sampling method. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit data about respondents' awareness of certain risky behaviors as causes of motorcycle crashes and their attitude toward and practice of such risky behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and presented as chart and tables. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33.7 ± 9.5 years. Only few (4.0%) had tertiary education. All of them were males. Awareness of risky behaviors was good with an average of 85.9%. Attitude to causes of accidents was also good, with 90.4% of the respondents having good attitude. However, most (95.5%) of the respondents demonstrated accident-related risky behavior(s). Risk behavior was statistically associated with younger age (P < 0.001), lower levels of education (P < 0.01), and training before commencement of trade (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite good awareness and attitude, most respondents demonstrated one risky behavior or the other. Younger age and poor educational status were statistically associated with risky behaviors. There is need for strict enforcement of traffic codes to ensure compliance.