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Article Title:
Do Cultural and Demographic Variables Influence Attitude of Keke Riders? Agenda for Checking Urban Road Accidents in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
by Ben Victor Effiong Ben and Nsidibe Akpan Usoro

Abstract:
A common social menace on Nigeria?s urban roads is the prevalent of accident involving Keke and motorists and pedestrians: the consequence being severe injury, loss of life and property. This study investigated the influence of cultural and demographic variables on the attitude of Kekeriders that constitute majority of the transport operators in urban centres in Akwa Ibom State. It was a descriptive study that used data collected in a survey from 384 respondents comprising mainly Keke riders in the age group of 15-55 years. The study adopted a combination of stratified random and simple random sampling techniques in selecting the study respondents. Data were collected with the use of interview and focus group discussion. Emphasis was on the assumptions of social class and strain theories. Findings reveal that although cultural, demographic and psychological factors play complementary rolesin determining the attitude, conduct and emotions of Keke riders on the road, the most critical factor is competition. The cultural factors identified in the study include gender role, family structure and position in the family; the demographic factors include age, level of schooling, income level, marital status and family size; while impatience and knowledge of road signs are psychological variables. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that Keke riders should be made to undergo training in driving school and be licensed.

Keywords: Culture, Demography, Factors, Accident, Transporters

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