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
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, Faculty OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted
to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for award of the Master of
Technology (Mechanical) degree.
DECEMBER 2014.