Major contributors to motorcycle accidents in Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: in Busia, motorcycles are a significant contributor to the number of road traffic injuries. Despite the impact they have on the healthcare system, motorcycle accidents have not received much attention due to a lack of local data and inadequate public policy responses in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors that predict motorcycle accidents.

Methods: this study utilized a cross-sectional mixed-method approach involving interviews with 423 motorcycle riders to explore factors associated with motorcycle accidents. Additionally, seven focus group discussions were conducted to gather more in-depth information. Data analysis was carried out using multiple logistic regression.

Results: out of the 423 riders interviewed, 243 (57.5%) had been involved in an accident. The likelihood of being in an accident was higher for riders who had consumed alcohol (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7, p=0.004) and for those not using reflector jackets (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.4, p=0.002). Riders who carried only one passenger at a time were at lower risk (OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-1.0, p=0.037) compared to those carrying multiple passengers. Overtaking from both sides increased the risk of accidents compared to overtaking from the right side (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.5, p=0.003). Additionally, not wearing helmets and a lack of driving training were found to be associated with accidents (chi-square, p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed similar factors as predictors of motorcycle accidents as the quantitative findings.

Conclusion: the results indicated several major contributors to motorcycle accidents. The study shows that riders do not adhere to traffic rules. Legal action is needed for those who do not comply with traffic rules and regulations.