The cost of motorcycle’s accident in Dar es Salaam ‘a case study of Kinondoni Municipality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding the cost of the road traffic accidents has been of interest to many scholars and policy makers for a long time, Motorcycle injuries constitute a major but neglected emerging public health problem in developing countries (Tanzania being among them) and contribute significantly to the overall road traffic injuries. However, motorcycle accidents which cause injuries and death have not received the adequate attention they deserve as the situation is worsening. The general objective of the study was to examine the cost of motorcycle accidents in Kinondoni Municipality. Case study research design was used in the methodology. A sample size of 70 respondents was involved. Data collected were descriptively analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The respondents argued that, motorcycle accidents mainly due to driving a motorcycle without formal training (70%). However, motorcycle accidents deprived people of their social status (70%) and caused marriage separations to those who were seriously affected by the accidents and motorcycle accidents necessitated the presence of permanent dependence to relatives of the victims as reported by (75%) of the respondents. The cost associated with motorcycles accident was found to be on medical treatment, repair of motorcycles and in general life to the victims. The study concludes by arguing for the need to enforce laws to those who violate the rules by being fined or withholding their licenses to alleviate motorcycle accidents in kinondoni municipality. However, the researcher argues for the enhancement of drivers‟ skills on the road through continuous training while honoring other users of the road by adhering to laws and changing the driver’s behaviors.