An Exploration Of Factors That Influence Adherence Towards Road Safety Regulations Among Commercial Motorcyclists In Urban And Peri-urban Areas In Lilongwe City

BACKGROUND: In Malawi, road safety regulations and enforcement efforts have not been effective in reducing commercial motorcycle crashes (CMCs). This study identified the factors that influence adherence to road safety regulations among commercial motorcycle riders in Lilongwe City. METHODS: The study employed a qualitative exploratory case study design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample study participants, and data were analyzed using manual content analysis, adopting Andrea J. Bingham’s “Five-Phase Process of Qualitative Data Analysis” and its associated framework. RESULTS: Young aged riders, lower levels of education, access to formal training, enforcement of road traffic regulations correlating with a reduced understanding of safety rules and road signs. Limited tailored safety awareness campaigns, the high cost of formal training, source of road safety knowledge and the expensive processes involved in obtaining a license and registering motorcycles were also implicated. On an individual level, the accessibility and consumption of cheap alcohol and narcotic drugs exacerbate the risks of CMCs among young riders. Those who were not motorcycle owners adopted risky riding behaviors to meet financial targets set by owners. Authorities were viewed as troublesome and unruly, thus not appreciated in their role in road safety regulations. CONCLUSION: Key factors that influence adherence to road safety regulation have been defined. There is a complex interplay of factors that influences adherence to road safety regulations among CMCs in Lilongwe City. Effort should be made integrate these insights into policy and interventions strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with motorcycle crashes.