PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH AMONG BAJAJ AND MOTOR BICYCLE DRIVERS IN NEGELLE ARSI TOWN, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, SOUTH EAST ETHIOPIA

Background: A road traffic accident is a serious public health problem in the world. It is an accident that occurred on a way or street open to public traffic. Objectives: To assess Prevalence and Factors Associated with Road Traffic Crash among Bajaj and Motor bicycle Drivers from March 2016 to April 2019 at Negelle Arsi Town, South-East Ethiopia. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional studies with a sample size of 330 drivers were conducted from April 10-20, 2019. The study was conducted among Bajaj and Motor bicycle drivers. After proportion to size allocation for Bajaj (206) and Motor bicycle (124) drivers, we used simple random sampling method. Data was collected with face to face interview using pretested questioners. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results: Generally, among 322 total respondents, 92 (28.6%) of the Bajaj and Motorcycle drivers ever had experience of road traffic accident in the last three years. Eight respondents were excluded from the study as a result of not availed during data collection and incomplete response to the survey. Out of the total drivers who were experienced road traffic accident, 70 (76.1%) and 22(23.9%) were Bajaj and Motorcycle drivers respectively. The mean age of the respondents was 26.5. All of them were 322 (100.0%) males. Significant percent 261 (81.0%) had a habit of using mobile phone while driving and 57(17.7%) had experience of driving after drinking alcohol. More than half, 203 (63.0%) followed the recommended speed limit of driving.271 (84.2%) had not chewed chat and 120(37.3%) were listened FM radio while driving. About 124(38.5%) of them had experience of punishment or warning by traffic police. Conclusions: 92 (28.6%) of the Bajaj and Motorcycle drivers had experience of road traffic accident in the last three years. Risk factors identified includes vehicle Mechanical problems, Speedy driving, Listening Radio programme, Drink-driving, Chat-chewing and Mobile phone use while driving. Interventions targeted at developing negative attitude towards risky driving behaviors on drivers to bring positive behavioral changes.