Road Safety Behaviors among Zambian Drivers and Pedestrians, An Observational Study

Introduction Even though over 90% of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low and middle-income countries, there is limited data on the occurrence and causes of road traffic accidents in Africa.

Objectives We conducted an observational survey in the Capital city of Zambia to examine road safety practices among Zambian drivers and pedestrians.

Methods Two trained researchers observed traffic and pedestrians at two main traffic intersections in Lusaka, Zambia. Risk behaviors among drivers (i.e. not wearing a seat belt, not yielding for pedestrians, not stopping at a traffic light, etc.) were compared to behaviors among pedestrians (i.e., multitasking, jaywalking, not yielding to incoming vehicles, etc.). Multinomial regression analyses, with an alpha level of 0.05, were used to test for significant differences in risk by gender and age of drivers and pedestrians.

Results In total, 251 drivers and 251 pedestrians were observed. Fifteen (15%) of pedestrians multitasked and 42% jaywalked while crossing roads. All pedestrians showed risky behaviors irrespective of age or gender. Just under a fifth (17%) of drivers used seatbelts, 11% observed speed limits and only 60% yielded to pedestrians. Multi-passenger vehicles (taxi's and buses) were less likely to yield to pedestrians than single passenger vehicles. Males drivers showed more aggressive driving behaviors than female drivers (risk score 69 vs. 20, p<0.05).

Conclusions Our results highlight gross risky behaviors among drivers and pedestrians in Africa. With vehicular usage on the rise in these regions, the need to strengthening road traffic safety systems could not be greater.