Associations between socio - demographic factors, training, ownership, licensing and violation of traffic regulations by commercialized three-wheelers in Mbeya City, Tanzania

Abstract

African countries have experienced a rapid growth in commercialized three-wheelers business in which there is also an increase of accidents involving, causing loss of property, injuries and deaths. Accidents involving three-wheelers are attributed to traffic regulation non-compliance. This paper analyses interaction between traffic regulation violation and socio-demographic factors, training, licensing and ownership. The study on which the paper is based adopted a cross- sectional research design, and data were collected from three-wheelers operating in Mbeya City Council. The study included a sample size of 362 respondents who were randomly selected along various parking areas in the area of study. The interaction between the factors and traffic violation was analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Results showed that licensing, ownership of a three-wheeler and traffic safety training were associated with traffic violation. Unlicensed riders, employed riders and untrained riders had more chances of violating traffic regulations more than licensed riders, owner rider and trained riders. Therefore, the study concludes that violation of traffic regulation is still a major problem for three-wheelers. It is imperative that enforcement of relevant regulations is made to ensure that three-wheeler riders are adequately trained. Moreover, law enforcement organs are urged to impose stricter punishments to the offenders, including impounding of the threewheelers.