The Perception Of Risk And Its Implications On The Operations Of Motor Taxi (Okada) In The Greater Accra Region.

ABSTRACT

Motorcyclists’ injuries and fatalities are a major recent public health concern in many developing countries, including Ghana. In Ghana, motorcycle for commercial purposes (known as Okada) is a recent development but one of the fastest transportation mode especially in the urban areas. This study focused on the perception of risk and its implications on the operations of motor taxi (Okada) in the Greater Accra region. Specifically, the study was designed to evaluate the risk perceptions, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practice of some commercial motorcyclists regarding the use of crash helmet and other safety equipment. The questionnaires targeted 200 riders from various commercial motorcycle turfs (stations) from two different study areas (Accra Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality). The researcher obtained verbal consent from commercial motorcyclists (group leaders) and after that administered structured questionnaires concerning motorcyclists’ behaviour in their operations. There was also a checklist of safety gears, interviews with stakeholders and focus group discussion with some riders (Station Master). Chi-square test of association was used to determine the statistical significance of relationships between independent variables such as demographic characteristics and the dependent variable that is, the risk perception of Okada operators. At the end of the study, riders percieved that Okada operation is dangerous but had a high-risk perception of safety. As a result, the use of protective gears like helmet, boots, and jackets was high among riders. The study recommends that Okada should be legalised, and there should be an joint efforts of Government and other relevant stakeholders to target riders and pillion riders for educational programs to change unfavourable attitudes, practics and beliefs toward road safety regulations and the use of safety gears.