Drivers’ perception about risky behaviors while driving: A cross-sectional study in a low-income setting in Maputo City-Mozambique

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Road traffic accidents are a major public health problem, which is mainly determined by human behavior. Therefore, drivers’ behavior has received a growing attention from scholars concerned with road safety in several contexts worldwide. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate drivers’ perception about risky behaviors while driving. Method: This was a prospective quantitative study with cross-sectional design, involving a sample of 402 drivers, among Eduardo Mondlane University employees and students. A dichotomous self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire included six behaviors: bribing police officers, sleep-deprived driving, drink-driving, speeding, traffic light violation, and irregular overtaking. Descriptive statistics analysis and logistic regression for odds ratios were performed. Results: The results showed that drivers admitted to relying on the studied behaviors in a range of 15.5–30.1%. Contrarily, they viewed other drivers as performing the same behaviors in a range of 70.3–85.8%. Being male, an unlicensed driver, and regular use of alcohol increased the risk of performing risky driving. Conclusion: Drivers admit to engaging in multiple risky behaviors, yet simultaneously view themselves as safer than their fellow motorists.