Comparison between the risks in road safety behaviour in urban and rural areas in Latvia in 2016

Abstract

The study examined the differences between respondents in urban and rural areas in respect of their self-reported attitudes and behaviour regarding taking risks in road traffic. Data of Health Behaviour among Latvian Adult Population 2016 survey was used for analysis. Results: 83.7% (N=1605) of urban respondents and 86.7% (N = 1456) of rural respondents always used seatbelts in the front seat. Only 55.3% (N = 1605) of urban respondents and 52.1% (N = 875) of rural respondents always used seatbelts in the back seat. Odds to use seatbelts in the front seat were higher for rural population (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05–1.53). Odds to use seatbelts in the back seat were higher for urban population (OR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30). Rural residents agreed more often with suggestion that it is not necessary to fasten the seatbelt on short journeys (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15–1.75) and that it is not necessary to fasten the seatbelt travelling at speed less than 40 km/h (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.56). Rural respondents agreed more often than urban respondents that that driving a car under alcohol influence increases a chance of being involved in an accident (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10–1.90).

Keywords

• differences between urban and rural areas
• road safety
• use of seat-belt
• alcohol
• smoking