In Brazil, the professional motorcyclist is one of the professions that most increase, what may contribute to their higher involvement in traffic accidents. This study aims to identify and analyze, in a qualitative perspective, the perceptions motorcycle delivery boys have about their work, traffic risks and occurrence of accidents. Data was collected in a focus group conducted in February 2005, with 11 motorcycle delivery boys who worked in Londrina, State of Parana, Brazil. This article focuses on the main reasons for motorcycle delivery boys to be engaged in the occupation, their work conditions, the risks they are exposed to and their involvement in accidents. The main reasons for undertaking this job were unemployment and low educational level. Pressure exerted by companies and customers for fast deliveries is a decisive factor for the adoption of risky behavior in traffic, having the earnings by productivity less importance in the decision-making process. All participants of the study reported involvement in traffic accidents. To improve their work conditions is the great challenge of the moment, as much for these workers, through their union and the fight for their rights, as for the general society. It is the State's responsibility to regulate and supervise the companies that offer their services and to establish rules that increase motorcyclists' safety in their work performance.
Accidents; traffic; motorcycles; working conditions; risk-taking; occupational risks
