Factors associated with road traffic accidents among young drivers in Khomas region, Namibia
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Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
As per the current statistics, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are among the leading causes
of deaths and disabilities among young people worldwide. The deaths and injuries
attributed by the RTAs are a major public health crisis faced by Namibia, just as in many
countries all over world. There is a need to investigate the risk factors contributing to
RTAs in Namibia, therefore, this study was conducted with a purpose of determining the
factors associated with RTAs among young drivers in Khomas region, Namibia. The
study utilised a mixed methods convergent-parallel design to collect data from the
National Road Safety Council (NRSC) of Namibia, as well from the traffic law
enforcement officers in Khomas region. The relationship between independent variables
and dependent variables was analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis based
on p-value <0.05, while interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The
quantitative data revealed that a total 21 574 RTAs were recorded in Khomas region
between 2017 and 2019, with male young drivers being responsible for the majority (83%)
of the RTAs in the region. Most (17.2%) of the recorded RTAs occurred on Fridays. The
least (5.7%) RTAs were recorded in the month of December. The study found a strong
association between days of the week and no injury (p=0.000), and between visibility of
the road due to different weather conditions and RTAs (p=0.000). Risky driving
behaviours among young drivers such as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding,
and driving whilst using mobile devices are some of the risk factors revealed by the
qualitative data contributing to the high rates of RTAs among young drivers in Khomas
region. The study recommends “road safety awareness” as a key measure to reducing the
rates of RTAs in Khomas region
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public Health
Keywords
Road traffic accident, Young drivers, Risk factors, Namibia, University of Namibia