Professional drivers and private drivers from Bogotá: Diagnosis of sociodemographic conditions and general well-being [exploratory analysis] Conductores profesionales y conductores particulares bogotanos: Diagnóstico de condiciones sociodemográficas y de bienestar general [análisis exploratorio]

Abstract

Aunque las colisiones de tránsito (colisiones de vehículos automotores (MVC) o accidentes de tránsito) son
reconocidas mundialmente como un problema de salud pública y son en Colombia la segunda causa de muertes violentas, existe una falta de investigación sobre el tema, que no es solo un asunto preocupante, pero también señala la importancia de iniciar acciones concretas.
Consequently, the aim of the present research is to study two types of populations of drivers, that is, professional and particular drivers in Bogotá, through an analysis and comparison of their sociodemographic situation and their general health conditions. In order to do that a cross-sectional investigation was carried out, in which 500 Colombian drivers (250 professional drivers and 250 particular drivers), with ages between 16 and 72 years, participated. The results showed that professional drivers are older, have more driving experience, lower income and lower educational levels, and report a higher number of accidents/collisions than particular drivers. As for particular drivers, they have worse rates of health, welfare and less driving skills. These findings indicate sociodemographic trends already reported in the literature on professional drivers, but diverge regarding health and well-being. In conclusion, further studies are required in order to enhance knowledge about the differences between typologies of drivers and about the role of the risk and protective factors regarding road accidents, in order to improve prevention and to reduce the number of collisions.