Exploring narratives on the factors explaining the use of tricycles for commercial transportation, and leading indicators for road safety in Ghana

Abstract

Dominant narratives on the increasing road accidents in Ghana highlight the activities of tricycles taxis (popularly referred to as pragia) as a major contributory factor. Yet, the conversation surrounding this issue in terms of solutions to curb the increasing rate of accidents has mainly remained in the media space. This study seeks to fill this gap in knowledge by exploring the underpinning factors and leading indicators for road safety in Ghana. Specifically, the study seeks to (a) explore the motivating factors for continual usage of tricycles in Ghana; (b) find out riders' awareness about their contribution to road safety threats in Ghana; and (c) potential leading indicators for addressing road safety. To achieve these objectives, the qualitative research approach, specifically the phenomenological design was adopted for this study. The target population included all commercial tricycle riders, customers, trade association, and regulators at Cape Coast (Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA). The convenience sampling technique was deployed to select commercial tricycle riders and customers while the purposive sampling technique was used to select the regulators (MTTU, trade Association and DVLA). Semi structured interview guide was the main tool for data collection. Data analysis was performed using the thematic content analysis. The findings show that causal factors for continued use of tricycles irrespective of the associated safety risks were mainly due to financial and social benefits, availability of customers and convenience, and the fun element. Further, unsafe behaviour, nature of the tricycle, and lack of regulations on the use of tricycles were identified as the causes of the increasing accidents. The findings further revealed that leading indicators for promoting road safety include making the tricycles safe by design, laws and regulations, education and sustainability plans. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on road safety and rural transportation, and provides evidence-based findings and recommendations for researchers and policy makers. It is envisaged that the findings will serve as bases for further research as well as provide grounds for industry players and manufacturers, and state actors to collaborate in the promotion of road safety through the design of safe systems.