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Building a Safer Future: Insights from Dr. Innocent Nzeyimana's Presentations at "Safety 2024" In India




At the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2024) held from September 2-4, 2024, in New Delhi, India, Dr. Innocent Nzeyimana, the President and CEO of Healthy People Rwanda (HPR), made a significant impact by presenting two crucial studies focused on road safety in Rwanda. The conference, themed “Building a Safer Future for All: Equitable and Sustainable Strategies for Injury and Violence Prevention,” brought together global experts committed to addressing the growing concerns of injury prevention and safety.

 

Dr. Nzeyimana’s presentations highlighted two projects done as part of research part of  Tuwurinde project, which aims at promoting use of safe standard helmets in Rwanda:  An observation study that explores helmet usage among moto-taxi drivers and their passengers as well as the quality of helmets in use, and a study examining the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of moto-taxi drivers regarding helmet quality and cost.

Both studies provide a comprehensive look at the state of road safety in Rwanda, offering valuable insights into how the country can move towards safer road practices and reduce the burden of road traffic injuries.

 

The observation study: A Closer Look at Helmet Use

 

The first presentation by Dr. Nzeyimana focused on helmet use, which is dedicated to observing helmet-wearing practices and the quality of helmets among moto-taxi drivers and their clients in Kigali, Rwanda. As motorcycle-related accidents continue to be a significant public health concern in the country, the study aimed to assess how effectively helmets are being used and the quality of the helmets in circulation.

 

The study employed a non-participatory observation method, systematically observing helmet use in various locations around Kigali, including urban streets, suburban roads, and transportation hubs. A total of 592 observations were conducted, revealing critical insights into helmet usage behaviors.

 

Key findings from the study included that 98.7% of motorcycle taxi drivers wore their helmets while riding but only 71% wore them appropriately, compared to only 44% of passengers. Alarmingly, 13.6% of passengers put on their helmets after the motorcycle had already started moving, highlighting a significant gap in safety practices as a crash can happen in lapse of time. The study also found a range of issues concerning the quality of helmets. For instance, 6.9% of passengers’ helmets and 6% of drivers’ helmets showed severe damage, while minor damage was observed in 35.3% of passenger helmets and 31% of drivers' helmets.

 

Further analysis of the types of helmets used revealed that 75% were open-face helmets, which offer less protection compared to full-face helmets, which made up only 22%. Additionally, 19% of the helmets were new, while a concerning 11% were classified as very bad or damaged. 30% don’t fasten their helmets, 8% just lay it over the head especially females who prioritize their hair styles over safety, 16% of chin straps were not adjustable. Visor were present in 95% but 17% of them were damaged. The study also revealed that most of helmets lacked a standard mark. Finally, images of severely damaged helmets that are in use were collected and will be used in awareness campaigns. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved helmet standards and enforcement in Rwanda to ensure that both drivers and passengers are adequately protected.

 

Dr. Nzeyimana concluded the presentation by emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to promote effective helmet use. He called for strategies that address not only enforcement but also accessibility to quality helmets and behavioral change among all motorcycle riders.

 

Understanding the Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Helmet Quality and Cost

 

In his second presentation, Dr. Nzeyimana delved into the knowledge and attitudes of moto-taxi drivers regarding helmet quality and the cost of helmets available in the Rwandan market. This study is particularly relevant as road traffic crashes continue to be a leading cause of death and disability in low- and middle-income countries like Rwanda, with motorcycle-related injuries accounting for a significant proportion of these incidents.

 

The study involved individual surveys and interviews with motorcycle riders in Kigali conducted in April 2024. It aimed to provide baseline insights into the drivers' usage of helmets, their knowledge about helmet standards, and the factors influencing their purchasing decisions.

 

The study revealed that moto drivers in Rwanda are mostly young males, less educated, in low-income category. One of the critical findings was that nearly 99% of the 701 drivers reported always wearing helmets. However, there was a significant knowledge gap regarding helmet quality standards. About 68.4% of the drivers admitted they did not know the existence of helmet standards; however, the majority believe that standard helmets have the potential to save lives. 51% of drivers did not know if their helmets met any standard, while 29% stated their helmets had no standard at all. This lack of awareness is concerning, given that properly used, certified helmets can reduce the risk of severe head injury by 69% and death by 42%.

 

The study also examined the willingness of moto-taxi drivers to pay more for higher-quality helmets. Interestingly, 51.81% of the respondents were willing to pay more than they initially paid for their helmets, indicating a strong interest in better-quality protective gear, even at a higher cost. Logistic regression analysis revealed that drivers who believed their helmets met quality standards had 88% higher odds of wanting to pay more for improved helmets.

 

Dr. Nzeyimana highlighted that the research underscores the importance of awareness, strong legislation, and enforcement to ensure a smooth transition to standard helmets in Rwanda. He pointed out that addressing the knowledge gap among drivers and regulating the helmet market are critical steps towards reducing head injuries and fatalities on Rwandan roads.

 

Conclusion

 

Dr. Nzeyimana’s presentations at Safety 2024 provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in improving road safety in Rwanda. The findings from both studies shed light on the critical areas that need attention to build a safer future for all road users. By addressing the gaps in helmet use, quality, and awareness, Rwanda can make significant strides in reducing the burden of road traffic injuries and ensuring the safety of its citizens on the roads.

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