Citation

Sangowawa A. Proc. Road Saf. Four Continents Conf. 2007; 14: 12p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Conference Sponsor)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Worldwide, morbidity and mortality from road traffic crashes are on the increase with most of the problem involving vulnerable road users in developing countries. The problem has been partly attributed to the increased use of motorcycles and other two-wheelers, and the diverse traffic mix mainly composed of vulnerable road users (motorcyclists and their passengers, pedestrians and cyclists). Wearing of helmets when riding is a proven means of reducing the severity of head injury in the event of a motorcycle crash, hence helmet use by riders has been mandated in many countries. In recent times, there has been an upsurge in the use of motorcycles for private and commercial purposes in Nigeria and though a law mandating helmet use is in place, helmet use is often non-existent. This cross-sectional study sought to find out reasons for poor use of helmets by commercial riders within Oyo state, South Western Nigeria in order to provide information necessary to aid the development of measures to improve use. A cross-sectional survey of commercial motorcyclists in a rural and an urban area in Oyo state was conducted and participants selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from them. A total of 373 commercial motorcyclists aged 19 to 60 years (mean age of 31.9 (+- 8.6) years) were interviewed. The majority of respondents, 262 (70.2 per cent) were married, most, 238 (63.8 per cent) had at least secondary education and the median number of days of work per week was 6 days (range: 2 to 7 days). Overall, 360 (96.5 per cent) of the motorcyclists were aware of a law mandating the use of crash helmets and 334 (89.5 per cent) owned helmets which cost them between N150.00 (about USD 1.15) and N2, 500.00 (about USD 19.23) to buy. Of the respondents, 32 (8.6 per cent) reported always wearing their helmets, 17 (4.6 per cent) most times, 257 (68.8 per cent) sometimes, while 67 (18.0 per cent) never wore a helmet when riding. The respondents were asked to mention three reasons (in order of importance) for non-use of helmets by commercial motorcyclists in the state. Some of the most important reasons were that it made the rider hot (32.2 per cent), it was not necessary to wear a helmet, 20.6 per cent and it gave them a headache 18.5 per cent. The important reasons mentioned were that it impaired hearing while riding (22.3 per cent), caused headache (19.7 per cent) and made the wearer hot (16.5 per cent). The least important reasons were that it gave them a headache, 23.2 per cent, it made them hot (17.9 per cent) and it made their heads smell stuffy, 16.1 per cent. The study showed that consistent use of helmets within the state was low mainly because of the heat and headache caused by wearing them, and a misconception that helmets were of no use. It is recommended that government make helmets specially designed for the tropics available in the country and enforce existing helmet laws; especially as enforcement has been proven to improve use. In addition, stakeholders in road safety should embark on enlightenment campaigns which address the importance of helmet use.