Personal and driving related characteristics as predictors of risky driving behavior among drivers in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A mixed method study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the risky driving behavior and associated factors among drivers in Debre Tabor town, Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: This study was a mixed type community-based cross-sectional survey of 564 and 11 participants for quantitative and qualitative study by using a self-administered questionnaire and an interview method, respectively, and the analysis was carried out in 2021. Results: Eighty-two-point one percent (82.1%) of drivers were engaged in risky driving behavior. Driving at night, never attending religious events/ceremonies, driving >8 h/day, believing income is insufficient, weak law enforcement, training institutions problem, being Bajaj driver, and being a non-governmental-driver were significantly associated with risky driving behavior. Conclusion: Risky driving behavior was high among drivers. Being non-governmental driver was the protective factor of risky driving behavior however the rest variables were the risk factors for risky driving behavior. To overcome the problem, appropriate law enforcement measures should be taken.

Keywords

• Risky driving behavior
• Drivers
• Ethiopia