Adherence to Road Safety Laws and Regulations in Tanzania: Case of Commercial Motorcycle Taxi Operators in Dar es Salaam

Abstract

Commercial Motorcycle Taxis (CMTs) account for a significant number of road crashes and injuries in Tanzania. The fundamental question is whether commercial motorcycle operators in Tanzania adhere to the set road traffic rules and regulations. The present study explored the level of adherence of commercial motorcycle taxi operators in Dar es Salaam to road safety rules and regulations. The study involved 370 respondents who were motorcycle taxi operators from five (5) municipalities of the Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Data for the study was collected using a structured questionnaire triangulated with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS (20 version) and presented in tabular form while the responses from the participants were raised in quotations. The study established a low level of adherence to rules and regulations governing commercial motorcycle taxis (CMTs) by the commercial motorcycle taxi operators in Dar es Salaam. This is partly due to low laws and regulations enforced by responsible authorities governing the operations of CMTs. Thus, most operators did not adhere to them. The study recommends strict enforcement of the rule and regulations that govern CMTs operations in Tanzania.