A study on the use of helmets by motorcycle riders in the Nsawkaw district in the Brong Ahafo region

Abstract

The use of motorcycles is on the increase all over Ghana especially in the Nsawkaw District, even now as a means of public commercial transport. Wearing of helmets is one way of preventing head injuries but the practice is low in developing countries. This study investigated the use of motorcycle helmets by motorcyclists in the Nsawkaw District in the Brong Ahafo Region. Data was collected from 95 motorcyclist using the convenience sampling technique. The results indicated that most of the motorcycle riders were not licensed nor were the motorcycles properly registered. Even though cyclists were aware that helmets could save their lives in times of accident, the use of crash helmets were not regular and the laws on the use of helmets is not enforced to the letter. Young men and very experienced cyclists mostly avoid the use of helmets attributing it to impeding vision and hearing, neck injury and loss of hair and the fact that helmets have their limits in saving life most especially when there are fake helmets in the Ghanaian market. It is recommended that educational campaigns and safe cycling courses be targeted at adolescents and the less educated with the educational content focused on graphic, realistic consequences of motorcycle crashes and the effectiveness of helmets in preventing head injuries. Mandatory helmet legislation as a strategy to increase helmet use and promote motorcyclists safety in Brong Ahafo Region is clearly warranted whilst law enforcing agencies especially the police ensure that riders put on crash helmets, carry valid licenses and that the motorcycles are registered and insured. Non-Governmental Organisations and traditional authorities should help increase road safety awareness, especially on the use of crash helmets, since they could help with dissemination of information at the grass root leve