Experience of senior high school student motorcyclists on drinking and driving in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR

Abstract

Purpose: To describe motorcycle driving and drinking experiences among senior high school students in Vientiane, Laos, to inform a plsnnrf hrslyh ptomoyion inyrtbrnyion. Objectives: To describe (1) demographic characteristics, (2) driving behavior, (3) drinking experience, (4) road traffic experiences and (5) their interrelationships Method: A cross sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was carried out among 394 senior high school students selected by multistage sampling procedure. A descriptive analysis was applied using frequencies, proportions and mean. Main results: The median age of students was 17 years, with parity in gender distribution and a mean monthly family income of 1,245,120 Kip (S.D. 253.86) and a mean own income of 113,535 Kip/month (S.D. 90.24). On average students started driving a motorbike at 14 years, 18.5% obtained a driving license and only 12.7% used a helmet. Students reported to overtake in restricted zones, drive reckless, stop in non-stop zones and violate traffic lights. 70.7% took alcoholic drink, 58.1% took alcohol regulary with peers. 43.1% faced motorcycle accidents. The frequency of accidents increased with alcohol use. Male had a more risky driving style than females, and used more frequent alcohol. Parties, family events and public entertainment places were common drinking places. Male students are more likely to drive after drinking. Males, reported more heavy driniking at one occasion than females. Those that used alcohol as well as those that drive after drinking showed a more risky driving style and more accident experiences. Conclusions: There is a relationship between driving, drinking and motorcycle accidents. Male students are at higher risk to use alcohol, to drive risky and to face accidents. Findings were not conclusive on the relationship between severity of injuries and the use of alcohol and helmet.