Journal of the College of Community Physicians (Nov 2012)
Characteristics of three wheeler drivers, and driver factors associated with road traffic accidents of three wheelers registered in the urban council Panadura
Abstract
Introduction The study was carried out to describe the characteristics of three wheeler drivers and to determine the associated driver factors for the road traffic accidents involving three wheelers registered in the Urban Council, Panadura. Methodology A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the Urban Council (UC) area of Panadura. A total of 338 eligible three wheeler (TW) drivers were studied using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Results The mean age of the three wheeler drivers was 33.3 (SD ±8) years. Fifty two percent (n=175) had studied up to grades 6 to 10 and 42.3% (n=143) have sat for the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. Their median monthly income was Rs.18000 (IQR 13000, 20000). 66% (n=223) were alcohol users, 53.6% (n=181) were smokers and 5.6 %( n=19) were illicit drug users. There were 49 (14.5%) road traffic accidents (RTAs) involving TW drivers during the period of 6 months prior to the research. The occurrence of RTAs was significantly higher among the drivers who drive rented TWs (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.32 - 4.66), who have the habit of driving after having alcohol (OR= 2.06; 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.79) and smoke while driving (OR= 2.27; 95% CI: 1.23 - 4.19) compared to drivers who drive their own TWs, who never drink and drive and who never smoke while driving respectively. Conclusions Alcohol use and smoking were common among TW drivers. RTAs are more common among drivers who drive rented TWs, who have the habit of drinking and driving and smoking while driving. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v15i1.4937 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka Vol.15(1) May 2010 33-44
Keywords
