Introduction

There is a need to raise awareness of the increased rate of motorcycle (popularly known as Okada) accidents because incidences have taken a rather disturbing dimension. Motorcycles are a major means of transportation, not only that, but it is the most convenient means of moving from one place to another; they navigate heavy traffic jams to enable individuals to get to their destination faster, and their fares are relatively cheap. It is used for both short and long-distance movement.

Over the years, efforts have been made by the government to ban this means of transportation owing to factors such as the use of motorcycles to perpetrate all manner of criminal activities and most importantly safety concerns — particularly road accidents but all to no avail. Recently, there were three (3) incidences of motorcycle accidents within a week, out of which, two (2) persons died and two(2) others were in critical condition. We are in the festive season and the rush in commercial activities is very high making motorcycles the most utilised means of transportation, it is therefore necessary that people are well informed to avoid accidents because most accidents can be averted if certain precautions are taken.

Factors Responsible for Increased Accidents
We cannot negate the fact that there are factors responsible for the increased accident rate — accidents do not just happen, some of these factors include:

i. Disobedience to Traffic Rules and Regulations — There is no doubt that motorcycle riders frequently flaunt traffic rules and regulations, they rarely obey traffic rules, and they beat the traffic light. The primary purpose of traffic lights also known as traffic signals is to regulate and control traffic flow and aim to prevent conflicts, assign right-of-way, manage traffic volume, enhance safety, and reduce congestion. However, when motorcycle riders flaunt traffic rules by driving against traffic or beating traffic lights it can result in accidents.

Traffic Jam on Lagos Major Road

ii. Abuse of Road Infractures — Typical of most motorcycle riders are riding against traffic, riding on pavements, maneuvering barricades, riding on speed lanes, etc. All these have implications for accidents.

Motorcyclist Maneuvering a Road Pavement

Motorcyclists and other Road users Maneuvering a Barricaded Road

iii. Over speeding — This is another factor in motorbike accidents.

iv. Underaged Riders — This is a risk factor for motorcycle accidents. Underaged riders are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience, impulsiveness, and lack of judgment. In addition, passengers should pay attention to the rider’s height — to ensure the rider is tall enough to control the motorcycle.
v. Drugs and Substances — This is the major contributor to increased bike accidents. The increased rate of motorcycle accidents is not unconnected to drugs and substance use among riders, the aim is to increase stamina, enhance performance, and work for longer hours to make more income. However, these psychoactive substances alter their brain function, and their sense of perception and they mount their motorcycle with passengers under the influence of these things and make them ride recklessly.

Substance use

Drugs and Substances

Implications of Accidents
The implications — safety, social, and economic implications of motorcycle accidents can be severe and far-reaching, the factors earlier discussed are social problems in themselves and culminate in other social issues. Below are some of the consequences:
• Severe Injuries and Fatalities — Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, including trauma to the head — brain injury, broken bones, and fatalities (deaths that could have been avoided).

An Accident Scene involving a Motorcycle

• Long-term Health Consequences — Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can have long-term health consequences such as chronic pain, disability, and emotional trauma.
• Motorcycle accidents can cause significant stress for family members and friends.

Physical Impairment

Scene of a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

• Economic Burden — Motorcycle accidents can result in significant economic costs — which include medical expenses, loss of productivity, and property damage.

Way Forward

Precautionary Measures:
Although countless persons have been lost to bike accidents, while many others have sustained permanent disabilities as a result of the same, the demand for bike rides in society remains high, this implies that people would continue to use this means of transportation. For this reason, adopting certain safety measures is very important no matter the rush of the passenger. Some of these safety measures include:

i. Physical Assessment of the Rider: This implies that the passenger should pay attention to the rider’s physical appearance, instinctively place the rider’s level of maturity because the more mature the better, and ensure the rider is tall and his legs are well balanced on the gears and brake of the bike.

ii. Be Sure the Rider is not High on Drugs/Substances: This can be observed during negotiation with the rider — while negotiating your destination and price. It is very easy to spot when a rider is high on a substance through a sense of smell. Oftentimes they smell these substances. If this is observed, the passenger is advised to go for another rider.

iii. The Need to Always Caution Motorcycle Riders: Passengers should always caution riders during a ride — caution them to be careful, correct them when they try to beat traffic lights, ride on speed lanes, or even struggle with small vehicles or heavy-duty vehicles such as container trucks or tankers.

iv. Do not allow them to ride between moving vehicles or trucks.

v. Ensure you talk to them or correct them courteously and humanely.

vi. Most importantly, passengers on the motorcycle should pay detailed attention throughout the ride. It is very common for some passengers on motorcycles to be engrossed with their mobile phones while the motorcycle is moving, this is a distraction. Nothing is so important that it cannot wait until you arrive at your destination.

vii. Rider Education — Conscientization of bike riders on traffic rules and regulations, proper use of roads, the risk associated with drugs and substance use and motorcycle riding by relevant agencies in collaboration with professionals like social workers can go a long way in curbing bike accidents. As well as enforcing the use of safety equipment such as helmets, reflection jackets especially at night and not carrying more than one passenger at a time. Registration of all riders in each local government with their registration numbers on their reflection jackets as a measure of curbing criminal activities.

viii. Community Outreach — Public awareness campaigns and community outreach programmes can help prevent motorcycle accidents and promote road safety.