Assessment of Public Transportation Safety Measures in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Case of Collective Taxis

Abstract

Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, is one of the cities in the country most affected by road traffic crashes. Despite the measures taken by authorities, the human factor remains a major cause of these crashes. This study aimed to evaluate the measures taken to reduce the risk-taking behaviors of collective taxi drivers in Yaoundé. A survey of 144 collective taxi drivers was conducted to gather information on their driving habits, adherence to, and perceived effects of safety regulations. The study revealed the following prevalence of risky driving behaviors among collective taxi drivers: 41.33% for impaired driving; 67% for speeding, 62% for disobeying traffic lights, 68.86% for distraction; and 67% for risky maneuvering on the road. Significant associations were found between risk perceptions and involvement in risky driving behaviors. Associations were also established between the frequency of police inspections and involvement in risky behaviors, between the participation in training programs on safety issues and using poorly maintained vehicles, and between the frequency of awareness campaigns and poor maneuvering on the road. To address these issues, it is essential to strengthen preventive measures on risk factors, raise awareness on a large scale and on a regular basis, and strictly enforce the existing regulations.