Knowledge and Practice of Safety Measures among Tricycle (Keke) Drivers in Owerri Municipal South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents, injuries and deaths remain important public health problems in both developed and developing countries. These problems have since escalated in Nigeria with the introduction of the new phenomenon of tricycle (Keke) mode of transportation specially in the Urban slums, as a result of disregards of the various safety measures guarding road transportation.

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and practice of safety measures among tricycle (Keke) rivers in Owerri Nigeria.

Methodology: Using a simple random sampling, 153 tricycle drivers were interviewed using both self and interviewer administered questionnaire. Collated data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences SPSS, version 20 IBM USA, and results were presented using frequency tables.

Results: Majority of the respondents 148 (98%) knew about safety measures; and the mode of knowledge was mostly from regular ready safety awareness campaigns carried out in their major parks. Majority were married 101 (63.7%). Only 19(13%) had no formal education. Major cause of indulging in over speeding was to make more daily returns, 40(26.7%) also majority 142(95%) carry passengers hanging on the left side of the driver which is a risk factor for increased injuries in the event of a road crash, as the passenger will easily fall out.

Conclusion: Knowledge of road safety measures amongst commercial tricyclists in Owerri Municipal was quite high, but the dangerous practices of over speeding so as to make more returns and carriage of passengers on the front left attachment seat should both be discouraged.