FREQUENCY OF HELMET USE AMONG MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To find the frequence of helmet use as a safety tool and
to investigate how many of the motorcyclists are aware of the beneficial effects of using a helmet. Design: A cross
sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: In Community Medicine Department of Foundation University Medical
College, Rawalpindi from March 2007 to September 2007. Material and Methods: A total of 1000 questionnaires were
randomly distributed among motorcyclists during visits to Lalkurti, Saddar and Karchi chowk in Rawalpindi. Inclusion
criteria included those motor bike rider volunteering to participate in the study.44 responses were invalid and the total
valid responses were therefore 956. No incentive was offered for participation in the study and no individual follow- up
was possible. Results: From a total sample size of 956 riders 541 were putting on a helmet and 415 were without the
helmet. The frequence of helmet use was therefore 56.6% and that the use non user is 43.4%. A bog majority i.e 80.7%
of the respondents left that use of helmet while riding a motorbike should be mandatory while only 19.3% left that it
should be the discretion of the riders.57.6% of the riders left that in case of pillion riding both the riders should put on
the helmet while 42.4% did not support the idea. Conclusion: The study implies that we need to enact and enforce
policy intervention for mandatory use of helmet, effective traffic law enforcement and imparting awareness among our
masses especially the younger generation to reduce Road Traffic Accidents. Print and electronic media should be
utilize extensively to disseminate basic traffic knowledge at all levels of the society.