Pedestrians' adherence to road traffic regulations on the N1 Highway in Accra, Ghana.
BACKGROUND
Pedestrian behavior and adherence to road traffic regulation is vital in the prevention and control of road traffic accidents (RTA) especially on highways in Ghana. We assessed pedestrians' adherence to road crossing regulations on the George Walker Bush (N1) Highway in Accra.


METHODS
We conducted a cross sectional study of pedestrians crossing the N1 highway from both sides of the road between 7:00 am and 11:00am. We observed all pedestrians using a checklist and interviewed 413 using a structured questionnaire. We collected data on basic demographics, and pedestrians' knowledge on road crossing (exposures). Data was, cleaned and analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.4. Pearson Chi-square was used to assess differences in proportions for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to test for association between pedestrian choice of route and exposures.


RESULTS
We observed (n = 1856) pedestrians crossing the road during the study period; 1155 (62.2%) males, 461 (24.8%) did not use the approved route(s). Majority 317(76.8%) were adults between the ages of 20-49, mostly males 265 (56.4%). Most people (92.7%) had at least basic education. AOR for sex (male) was 1.7(1.1-2.6), and regular use of Highway (always) was 0.4(0.2-0.8) at 95% CI.


CONCLUSIONS
One out of every 4pedestrians using the N1 Highway used an unapproved route. Majority of pedestrians who regularly cross the Highway at unapproved routes were males. We recommend vigorous public education and addition of more footbridges.
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program; Ghana Health Service, Ghana.
Charles Lwanga
CL
Noora
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program.
Edwin Andrews
EA
Afari
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program; Ghana Health Service, Ghana.
Robert Domo
RD
Nuoh
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program; Ghana Health Service, Ghana.
Eric Yirenkyi
EY
Adjei
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program.
Gershon Kobla
GK
Anthony
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program; Ghana Health Service, Ghana.
Marijanatu
M
Abdulai
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program.
Samuel Oko
SO
Sackey
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana.
Ernest
E
Kenu
School Of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Field Epidemiology And Laboratory Training Program.
Kofi Mensah
KM
Nyarko
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069636:Pedestrians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Ghana; Highway; footbridge; pedestrian; road traffic accidents; unapproved route