Factors Affecting Road Accidents among Food Delivery Riders in Mueang District, Khon Kean Province

Abstract

 This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 202 food delivery motorcycle riders in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, between January 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. The aim was to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence and prevalence of road traffic accidents during work. Descriptive statistics were used to present frequency distributions, percentages, means, and medians. Inferential statistics included univariate and multivariate analyses. The results were reported as crude odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and p-values, with a significance level set at < 0.05.

The results revealed that the prevalence of road traffic accidents was 30.2% (n = 61; 95% CI =24.22 to 36.94). Factors that were statistically significantly associated with road traffic accidents included average motorcycle speed (p-value < 0.05), riding behavior (p-value < 0.05), and motorcycle usage duration (p-value < 0.05). Riders who drove at an average speed of ≥ 80 km/h were 2.04 times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to those who drove < 80 km/h (OR_Adj = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.03 to 4.05). Those with inappropriate riding behavior had 2.48 times higher odds of accidents than those with appropriate behavior (OR_Adj = 2.48; 95% CI [1.04, 5.92]). Riders who had used their motorcycles for ≤ 5 years had 1.92 times greater odds of being involved in accidents compared to those with more than 6 years of usage (OR_Adj = 1.92; 95% CI =1.03 to 4.05). Recommendations: It is recommended to strengthen road safety measures by promoting safe riding behavior, strict adherence to traffic laws, and raising awareness through education and road safety campaigns. Regular motorcycle maintenance according to service intervals should be encouraged. Furthermore, strict enforcement of legal speed limits is essential to reduce accident risk among food delivery riders.