Behavioural risk factors of car drivers associated to road traffic injuries in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Introduction. With the economic and technological development of society, people have gained the opportunity to purchase various means of transport. Road accidents are on the second place in population mortality due to the type of injury and poisoning in the Republic of Moldova, for these reasons the government of the country has assumed the goal of reducing by 50% by 2030 deaths and traumas caused by road traffic. Aim of study. To explore the behavioural risk factors among car drivers and to investigate the relationship within these factors to road injury related data. Methods and materials. A prospective cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was performed during January- February 2022, among car drivers, regarding their behaviours and attitudes of road safety issues. The questionnaire was applied online through a Google Form document and distributed through social networks. The following variables were analysed: demographic (gender, age, individual’s life situation and living conditions, occupation, personal situation, education, place of living), driving experience and case history of road accidents and collisions among car drivers. Results. The questionnaire was completed by 257 drivers, aged between 18-65 years old, 61,9% females and 38,1% males; mostly from urban (87,5%); the vast majority holding a driver license of category B (73.5%). In the last 12 months, 55.6% respondents drove daily, while 20.2% drove 1-4 times a week. 30% of respondents have an experience of more than 10 years of driving, 19.8%- 1-3 years old and 17,1%-less than 1 year. Are very concerned about road accidents (71,2%) and traffic jams (56,8%). Most consider that the speed limit is most often violated on national roads 70,04% and main roads in cities 21%, and in the opinion of participants this is due to the fact that in a regular trip the probability of being checked for speed is rarely (57,2%). The respondents consider that in order to drive a car it is necessary to get behind the wheel with 0 zero alcohol consumed (75,1%) and 21,8% with 1-unit alcohol; likewise, 78, 6%- support the idea of no alcohol behind the wheel. In the last 12 months, 84.05% have never been tested for alcohol while driving; have never been involved in a road accident-87.9%, 1 time-11.3% and 2 or more times-0.8%. Only 2.7% said that they get once involved as a driver in road accidents with medical care assistance, the respondents state that they were never involved, while 97,3%-never so far. Conclusion. Road injuries in the Republic of Moldova is an obvious problem for the public health system, which is a strong scientific argument that needs to be studied in detail and established prevention interventions. It is an urgent need to work together to prevent road injuries and to make drivers more vigilant and not to violate road traffic regulations.