Determinants of Risk-Taking Behaviours among Road Users in Ilorin, Nigeria
G. H. Ibraheem, A. A. Nasir1, C.K.P Ofoegbu, L. O. Abdur-Rahman, O. M. Babalola, B. A. Solagberu
Abstract
Road traffic crashes are a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This burden is particularly felt in low and middle-income countries with more than twice the rates of developed countries. This study sought to determine the knowledge and perception of Nigerian road users on safe road practices and evaluated human-related risk factors to road traffic crashes within this population.
This was a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire survey of drivers and riders in an urban population in North-Central Nigeria. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to drivers and riders at petrol stations within Ilorin metropolis.
905 drivers and riders responded to the survey. 77.8% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards road safety devices like seat belts and crash helmets. The respondents opined that impatience (54.3%) and over-speeding (40.7%) were the most common causes of road traffic crashes. Young age, negative attitude to protective devices, and motorcycle riders were shown to be predictors of risk-driving behaviours amongst respondents.
The study confirms the prevailing impression that risk taking behaviours are more common in the above groups of road users which puts them at increased risk of crashes. Improved driver education and increased enforcement of the laws may positively influence some of these behaviours.
Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v11n2a4
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