Observational study on seatbelt usage among rear-seat passengers in a developing metropolis: Evidence from Pedu intersection, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Seatbelt use is crucial for reducing injuries and fatalities in crashes, yet rear-seat passengers are often neglected in safety studies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. This study investigates rear-seat passenger seatbelt usage at the Pedu intersection in Cape Coast. METHODS: A non-intrusive observational survey was conducted for three weeks during peak traffic hours. Utilizing SPSS, this study employed descriptive statistics and a binary logit regression to analyze seatbelt compliance rates and the factors associated with the compliance or defiance in seatbelt use among rear-seat passengers. A sample of 11,288 vehicles was observed, with data collected on passenger gender, vehicle classification, observation time, and day of the week. FINDINGS: This study revealed a critically low rear-seat seatbelt usage rate of 1.1% among passengers. Logistic regression analysis showed that seatbelt use was significantly associated with vehicle type, passenger gender, and day of the week. Passengers in private saloon cars and taxis/Uber/Bolt were more likely to use seatbelts compared to those in pick-up trucks. Additionally, female rear passengers are more likely to wear seatbelts than male rear passengers. Seatbelt use was lowest on Mondays and Tuesdays, with compliance improving as the week progressed toward Friday. CONCLUSION: This study offers insights into seatbelt usage patterns in Ghana, with implications for public safety campaigns, enforcement, and transportation policy to improve road safety for all vehicle occupants.