A Dissertation submitted to the department of Health System Management in
Partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Master of Health
Systems Management (MHSM) of Mzumbe University
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 impact of
motorcycle traffic accidents in Morogoro municipality. Case study research design
was used in the methodology. A sample size of 70 respondents was involved. Data
collected were descriptively analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS).
The respondents argued that, motorcycle accidents mainly due to driving a
motorcycle without formal training (70%), use of substandard motorcycles especially
those imported from China (77%) and motorcycle defects such as break failure and
tyre bursts reported by (79%) of the respondents were among the factors. 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. Moreover, organizing road
safety week campaigns and prosecuting in courts or penalizing without prosecution
those who contravene road traffic rules and other related legislations as reported by
(80%) of respondents, constructing bumps along crossing areas such as schools,
market e.t.c (85%) and enhancing road safety committees with traffic safety activities
in coordinating and organizing different activities relating to control and prevention
of road traffic accidents as affirmed by (85%) of the respondents would prohibit the
incidences of accidents.
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
Morogoro municipality. However, the researcher argues for the enhancement of
drivers‟ skills on the road through continous training while honoring other users of
the road by adhering to laws and changing the drivers‟ behaviours.