Introduction: The profession of motorbike taxi driver is flourishing in Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of traffic accidents involving motorbike taxis.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from 3 January 2020 to 2 February 2020. The study population consisted of motorbike taxi drivers admitted to the emergency department of the Thies regional hospital (Senegal) after a traffic accident.
Results: A total of 63 motorbike taxi drivers took part in the study. The average age was 26.7 years. The level of education was low. The average daily takings were 6,627 FCA francs. The drivers were not wearing helmets in 81% of cases. Similarly, 95% had no driving licence. Stress (39.7%), risky sexual behaviour (36.5%), drug use (22.2%) and alcohol consumption (6.3%) were also found. The main causes of accidents were speeding (96.8%), the effect of other road users (96.8%), the driver’s profile (50.8%), the condition of motorbikes (50.8%) and road conditions (14.3%). The regulations in force on motorbike taxis were perceived bad in 57.1% of cases. Reducing police harassment (95.2%), reducing the cost of taxes (90.5%), training in the highway code (69.8%) were the main expectations of drivers.
Conclusion: Motorcycle taxi drivers are highly vulnerable to road accidents. The public authorities need to raise awareness and clean up this type of informal transport.