Driving behavior of motorcyclists and its related factors in Sarbaz city

Introduction: Traffic accidents are one of the most important problems in the field of public health which account for a large economic burden to different communities. This study was conducted to investigate the driving behavior of motorcyclists and its related factors. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed retrospectively on 234 motorcyclists who were selected by available sampling method from Sarbaz city. To collect data, a motorcycle riding behavior questionnaire (48-MRBQ), a general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and a 10-item emotion measurement questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.7 ±7.09. According to the results, 36.1% of the participants had a history of motorcycle accident during the last 12 months. The mean score of driving behavior, mental health, and excitement of the participants were 96.79, 54.200, and 21.33, respectively. Traffic error score with an average of 23.90±0.8 and major depression score with an average of 17.47±4.07 were the highest scores among the dimensions of driving behavior and mental health, respectively. Motorcyclists' driving behavior scores had significant relationship with cigarette, alcohol, cannabis, methadone, and heroin use over the past year (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between driving behavior score and mental health (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to improve the level of public knowledge, especially motorcyclists, about correct driving behaviors. In addition, serious and continuous implementation of traffic rules and regulations is essential.