Prevalence of road traffic accident knowledge and attitudes of Bodaboda drivers in Singida Region, Tanzania

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) involving motorcycle taxi operators (Bodaboda drivers) represent a significant and growing public health crisis in Tanzania. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RTAs are a leading cause of death and injury, with over 90% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the severity of this problem, there is a lack of empirical data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Bodaboda drivers, particularly in smaller municipalities like Singida. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Bodaboda drivers in Singida Municipal Council (MC), Tanzania, focusing on helmet use, compliance with traffic laws, and accident risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2024 and February 2025 among 400 Bodaboda drivers randomly selected from 30 registered and 5 unregistered stands. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. The majority of respondents were young males (65 % aged 20–39 years), with 57 % having only primary education. While 62 % of drivers were aware of traffic laws, only 48 % reported consistent helmet use. Education level was significantly associated with helmet use (χ2 = 14.23, p = 0.002), and prior road safety training increased the likelihood of helmet compliance (OR = 2.31, p = 0.001). Key barriers to helmet use included discomfort, cost, and peer influence. Thematic analysis revealed concerns about weak law enforcement and poor road infrastructure as major contributors to accidents. The study highlights critical gaps in road safety knowledge and compliance among Bodaboda drivers. Targeted interventions, including mandatory safety training, subsidized helmets, stricter law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, are needed to enhance road safety and reduce motorcycle-related injuries in Tanzania. Our findings are consistent with and contribute to the existing literature from the East African region, offering a specific focus on a less-researched geographic area.