Commercial Motorcycle Riders’ Knowledge of Road Safety and Effective Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Commercial motorcycle riding remains a quicker transportation option for a time-constrained individual. However, due to riders’ inadequate knowledge and consciousness on the value of safe riding and usefulness of personal protective equipments (PPE), commercial motorcycle transportation is one of the main causes of road traffic accidents in various cities of Cameroon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of commercial motorcycle riders (aka Okada-men) on road safety, safe riding practices, and the usefulness of PPE in Cameroon. 

Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using structured questionnaires and an interview guide, was conducted in Ndokoti area and Biyem-Assi (Yaounde) neighbourhoods. 

Results: Out of the 300 riders who participated in the survey, 90% were 21–40 years old and were educated to secondary level (70%). Only 20% had formal motorcycle riding training and 95% had basic knowledge on PPE. However, 65% of the riders indicated that they never wear any PPE during motorcycle riding. This was obvious as a majority (80%) of the commercial motorcycle riders had little or no knowledge on road safety, road ethics or importance of owning and wearing PPE. Seventy-five percent of the riders were aware of road code and traffic signs, however, 40% confirmed that they have not been respecting traffic lights. This was partly due to inadequate knowledge on road safety, lack of patience, and quest for money. 

Conclusions: Unarguably the use of commercial motorcycle as means of public transportation has impacted significantly on the economy and society. The knowledge of commercial motorcycle riders in Cameroon is found to be inadequate. In view of safety of the riders and their passengers, educational intervention strategies to reduce associated injuries are of utmost importance and need immediate attention.