Road Safety Regulations: How Compliant are Commercial Motorcyclists in Semi-Urban Towns in Western Nigeria?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine compliance with road safety laws and factors that influence it among commercial motorcyclists in semi-urban towns in Western Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using a multi-stage sampling technique of 502 commercial motorcyclists. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with statistical significance determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value of 0.05. The median age of respondents was 30 years; most were in the second and third phases of life. Compliance with road safety regulations was good in only 26% of respondents; mobile phone usage and alcohol drink riding was found in 31.9% and 28.1%, respectively. Approximately 96.4% indulged in carrying more than one pillion rider, 48% admitted to riding against traffic, and 83.3% wore reflective jackets at night. Use of stimulants was reported among 39.4% of respondents, while only 13.7% smoke cigarettes. The reported crash was found in 56.8% of respondents. Those with previous traffic violations and those that admitted fault for the crash were 2.75 times and 2.51 times more likely to comply with road safety regulations [AOR:2.748, 95%CI: 1.784- 4.332 and AOR: 2.512, 95% CI: 1.195-5-5.278] respectively. Compliance with road safety regulations was poor among commercial motorcyclists in the study population. Measures gingered towards increasing observance of road safety regulations such as increased safety education, effective policing to enforce compliance and punishment of erring riders, should be instituted. This will eventually translate to increased awareness and enhance road safety