Prevalence and Associated Factors Influencing Road Traffic Accidents among Commercial Motorcyclists in Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia
Macklin Marvin Korvah *
Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Fendell, Monrovia, Liberia.
Sehwon Johnson Karnue
Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Fendell, Monrovia, Liberia.
Jeremiah Zangar
Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Fendell, Monrovia, Liberia.
Amos Melish Franklins
Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Fendell, Monrovia, Liberia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Commercial motorcycling provides important transport and employment opportunities in Liberia, but road traffic crashes among riders present a substantial public health concern. Local evidence on crash involvement and associated factors in Paynesville remains limited.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of self-reported road traffic crashes and associated factors among commercial motorcyclists in Paynesville, Liberia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study surveyed 406 male commercial motorcyclists in 2026 using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Participants were recruited through a three-stage sampling procedure involving seven selected motorcycle terminals. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with crash involvement.
Results: Of the 406 respondents, 314 (77.3%) reported a crash during the preceding 12 months; 172 of these riders (54.8%) reported multiple crashes. Among riders with crash histories, 243 (77.4%) reported sustaining an injury, most commonly lacerations or bruises (52.2%). Lower-limb injuries accounted for 53.5% of reported injury sites. The leading self-reported immediate crash factors were lane splitting (32.8%), overspeeding (32.2%) and alcohol or drug use (28.0%). Formal riding training was reported by 32.5%, while 18.2% held a valid driving licence. In adjusted analyses, selected categories of age, educational attainment, income and riding experience, together with alcohol or drug use and mobile phone use, were statistically significantly associated with crash involvement.
Conclusion: High reported crash involvement highlights the need for locally relevant road-safety measures. The cross-sectional findings indicate associations but do not establish causation.
Keywords: Commercial motorcyclists, road traffic crashes, crash prevalence, injury patterns, road safety, riding experience, alcohol or drug use, mobile phone use, licensing