Risk perception, road safety culture, and aberrant riding behavior among three-wheel motor vehicle riders in Ghana

Road user behavior contributes to a significant proportion of road traffic accidents worldwide. These accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities. The study explored the contribution of risk perception and road safety culture among three-wheel motor vehicle riders in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, where data were obtained from 256 riders through a structured questionnaire. The results showed a significant positive correlation between road safety culture and risk perception (ρ = 0.319, p < 0.01). Both risk perception (β = −0.317, p < 0.001) and road safety culture (β = − 0.328, p < 0.001) significantly reduced aberrant riding behavior. Mediation analysis indicated that risk perception had a direct negative effect on aberrant riding behavior (β = − 0.4222, p < 0.001) but a positive impact on accident involvement (β = 0.5739, p = 0.006), with partial mediation via aberrant riding behavior (β = 0.2210, 95 % CI = 0.0416, 0.4571). Road safety culture did not directly affect accident involvement (β = 0.2727, p = 0.329) but exhibited full mediation via aberrant riding behavior (β = 0.3290, 95 % CI = 0.1119, 0.5985). The findings indicated that higher risk perception is associated with adherence to safety culture norms. Also, while higher risk perception and a strong road safety culture reduce aberrant riding behavior, they are paradoxically linked to higher accident involvement via aberrant riding behavior. These findings have implications for accident prevention and safer road practices among three-wheel motor riders.