Motorcyclists' safety in Iran: implication of haddon matrix in safe community setting

Background Three studies were conducted aiming to design specific interventions regarding motorcyclist's safety using Haddon matrix in 14 cities of Iran. Methods: Motorcyclists' fatality data was extracted in 14 cities (5 safe community practicing and 9 safe community non practicing cities) during 2006-2007. As the next step a cross sectional study on Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) of motorcyclists about helmet was performed. A range of variables relevant to motorcyclists' injury and prevention were developed and organized according to the Haddon matrix. The risky behaviors, including over speeding, acrobatic movement, no helmet or not properly wearing helmet were considered. Data were analyzed with chi-square and ANOVA method using STATA software. Results: The highest mortality rate was revealed in Niriz city (NSC) and the least was reported from Arsanjan city (SC) in Fars Province. In Busher province, the highest death rate was detected in the Busher city (SC) and the least was in the Genaveh city (NSC). In Khorasan, the highest death rate was reported from Torbat-ehydarieh city (NSC) and the lowest was from Bardscan (SC). Male drivers of 19-39 years old were the most affected age groups. The rate of helmet usage in overall was 13% while 97% owned a helmet. Embarrassing of wearing helmet was mentioned by 70% of participants as a reason for not wearing helmet. Participants believed that public education and re-enforcement of mandatory helmet law are two important ways to raise the helmet usage. Conclusions : Constant public education in addition to attention to traffic rules are two important factors to promote helmet wearing rate.