Safety Habits of Malaysian Drivers: A study in a Semi-Urban Community in Kedah, Malaysia, April 2019.

Background: Road traffic accidents contribute to a significant proportion of burden of disease in Malaysia. Despite the number of campaigns and initiatives, the trend seems to be increasing. In 2016, 80.6% of road accidents in Malaysia were caused by human error. The number of vehicles increases annually. Our objectives are to assess the safety habits of drivers in a local community in the state of Kedah.  Methodology: A cross-sectional study, using face-to-face questionnaire on randomly selected residents in two semi-urban housing estates located side by side. Sample size was calculated to be 108, based on 200 households, confidence interval 95% and margin of error 5%. The domains covered knowledge and safety habits including usage of seat belts and helmets, conforming to speed limits, and breaking the law. Data was analysed using SPSSv22.0.  Results: There were 112 households visited. Residents who always: use seatbelts (80.4%), wear helmets(87.5%), obey speed limits (75.9%) and check condition of vehicle before use(83.9%). Four respondents have not had their vehicle insured. Beating traffic lights regularly (39.3%), not using headlights when required (19.8%) and not using fluorescent vest when riding in the dark (55.4%). Another 18.8% admitted to using mobile phones when driving. Totally 59.8% have been compounded or received summons for traffic offences.  Reasons include speeding, double parking, and unsafe car modifications. Conclusion: Safety habits in this community are mostly limited to wearing seat belts and helmets. There appears to a lax attitude on road safety. When they think they would not be caught, they take chances and commit traffic offences. Campaigns need to focus in rural areas and not solely in urban