1
|
Alonso F, Esteban C, Faus M, Useche SA. Public transportation means as seen by citizens: Approaching the case of the Dominican Republic. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32363. [PMID: 38933944 PMCID: PMC11200352 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
and middle-income countries, key constraints such as dense traffic flows, jams, and pollution constitute frequent issues that potentially explain many negative consequences in terms of (e.g.) efficiency, sustainability, and mobility safety. In this regard, recent evidence supports the idea that fostering public transportation is crucial to offering solutions for this difficult panorama. However, transport mode-related choices and shifts have been proven to depend highly on key perceptions and needs of potential users. The aim of this study was to analyze a set of key users' perceptions, usage, and perceived quality of public transportation in the Dominican Republic, as well as to explore the most relevant features for Dominicans from the "desired quality" paradigm. For this research at a national level, data retrieved from a nationwide sample of 1254 inhabitants of the Dominican Republic was used, proportional to the ONE census in terms of sex, age, habitat, and region. Overall, the results show that the general quality of transportation is 6.70 points out of 10. The use of public transportation in the Dominican Republic has a medium-low rating and is very focused on urban buses (41 %) and public cars (27.1 %). Nonetheless, the metro remains the most highly rated means of transport (M = 8.75). Concerning the quality variables analyzed, the highest scores are for accessibility (M = 7.08) and frequency of service (M = 6.99). Further, Dominicans focus on improving comfort, vehicle conditions, and safety. This study constitutes a first approximation to the desired quality of public transportation for Dominican Citizens, which may help policymakers scope user-based needs in public transportation systems and encourage a more frequent (and friendlier) public transport use in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alonso
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Esteban
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Faus
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio A. Useche
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Useche SA, Alonso F, Faus M, Cervantes Trejo A, Castaneda I, Oviedo-Trespalacios O. "It's okay because I'm just driving": an exploration of self-reported mobile phone use among Mexican drivers. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16899. [PMID: 38410804 PMCID: PMC10896083 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Technological advancements have the potential to enhance people's quality of life, but their misuse can have a detrimental impact on safety. A notable example is the escalating issue of distracted driving resulting from the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, leading to severe crashes and injuries. Despite these concerns, both drivers' usage patterns and their risk-related associations remain scarcely documented in Mexico. Therefore, this descriptive study aimed to examine the mobile phone usage of Mexican drivers, its relationships to risk awareness and near-miss/crash involvement, and the self-reported underlying reasons for this behavior. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized a sample of 1,353 licensed Mexican drivers who took part in a nationwide series of interviews regarding their onboard phone use settings. Results A significant percentage of drivers (96.8%) recognize using a mobile phone while driving as high-risk behavior. However, only 7.4% reported completely avoiding its use while driving, with 22.4% identified as high-frequency users. Frequency was also found positively associated with the self-reported rate of near-misses and crashes. Furthermore, qualitative data analysis highlights the emergence of a 'sense of urgency' to attend to phone-related tasks in response to daily demands and life dynamics, offering a potential explanation for this behavior. Conclusion The results of this study suggest common patterns of onboard mobile use among Mexican drivers concerning driving situations and associated risks. This underscores the need for increased efforts to discourage onboard phone use in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Useche
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Alonso
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Faus
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Isaac Castaneda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Anahuac University, Mexico D.F., Mexico
| | - Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios
- Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faus M, Fernández C, Alonso F, Useche SA. Different ways… same message? Road safety-targeted communication strategies in Spain over 62 years (1960-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e18775. [PMID: 37583762 PMCID: PMC10424080 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the most generalised preventive measures against traffic crashes, advertisements and broadcast campaigns in the media have stood out over the last six decades. The core aim of this paper is to describe the evolution of the subject matter and typology of road safety-related advertisements used in Spain during 62 years (1960-2021). Thus, this paper assesses their role in reducing road fatalities, while keeping in mind the potential effect of the many other road safety-related preventive measures carried out in the country during this period. The results of this study allow us to target five key time periods, all of them with clear particular communication strategies to be differentiated, using specific types of advertisements and informative, persuasive, emotional, and humorous techniques (among others) to reach the audience. Additionally, some key practical implications and guidelines are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Faus
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cesáreo Fernández
- Department of Communication Sciences, University Jaume I. Castellón, Spain
- ITACA (Research in Technologies Applied to Audiovisual Communication) Research Group, Spain
| | - Francisco Alonso
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio A. Useche
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mirabet E, Tortosa-Perez M, Tortosa F, González-Sala F. Evaluation of Psychophysical Fitness in Drivers over 65 Years of Age. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1927. [PMID: 37444761 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The deterioration of cognitive and psychophysical ability associated with aging has an effect on road safety, especially in the driving of vehicles. The current study's main objective is to evaluate the psychophysical aptitudes in drivers over 65 years of age in a sample of drivers in Spain. METHODS The sample was formed of a total of 1663 drivers who attended a Driver Recognition Center. The evaluation of their psychophysical aptitudes was carried out following the Medical-Psychological Exploration Protocol for Driver Recognition Centers, edited by the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Traffic. RESULTS The results show increased restrictions in the evaluation of driving ability with age, which are especially significant after 75 years of age. Regarding sex, 70.1% of women have an approved evaluation, compared to men aged between 65-69, although from 69 onwards, the percentage of approved women decreases significantly. The loss of visual capabilities and poor performance in psycho-technical tests are the main causes associated with an evaluation with restrictions, with the number of restrictive conditions increasing with age. CONCLUSIONS There is an increase in the number of cases with age-related restrictions, especially in the case of women and ophthalmologic-related problems, although the majority of drivers over 65 years old continue driving, thus continuing with a practice that has been related to the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Mirabet
- Instituto de Investigación en Tráfico y Seguridad Vial-INTRAS, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Macarena Tortosa-Perez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Instituto de Investigación en Tráfico y Seguridad Vial-INTRAS, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco González-Sala
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Skládaná P, Bucsuházy K. Distraction in road traffic: How Czech media covers the issue. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18103. [PMID: 37483796 PMCID: PMC10362322 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Road users' inattention is one of the leading factors that contribute to crashes. It has been thoroughly researched from many perspectives, but there is limited information about the factors that influence risk perception and road users' attitudes. These factors are formed by personal and mediated experience, but education and public awareness play important roles. In this context, media seems to significantly influence risk perception and it may result in behavioural changes. This study aimed to review the coverage of driver inattention in the Czech media to analyse how it covers different types of inattention. Both quantitative and qualitative content analyses were conducted, and the sources of inattention mentioned in media reports were coded. We found the following: distraction is the most often reported inattention subtype; the media often communicates illegal behaviour, such as mobile phone handling; the preventive and educational potential of media coverage seems to not be fully utilized; and media reports are often focused on specific crashes, consequences, and immediate causes. Other risky aspects or inattention contributory factors tend to be neglected.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mashrur SM, Wang K, Lavoie B, Habib KN. What can bring transit ridership back: An econometric study on the potential of usage incentives and operational policies in the Greater Toronto Area. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH. PART F, TRAFFIC PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR 2023; 95:18-35. [PMID: 37035633 PMCID: PMC10069306 DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 virus has unimaginably disrupted the transit system and its overall functions. Users' vigilant safety concerns posed by the pandemic and the consequent transit avoidance behaviour for a prolonged period could have lasting impacts on their transit preferences, leaving transit agencies to search for effective post-pandemic transit resilience policies. This study examines potential post-pandemic interventions and pandemic-induced psychological attributes impacting the future transit choice behaviour of non-transit users of the pandemic. It utilised data from a transit demand and choice adaptation survey in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. A two-stage model was formulated to jointly capture the pre-pandemic transit usage choices of those who did not make transit trips during the pandemic and the respective post-pandemic transit choices for these user groups. The models depicted that the post-pandemic transit choices were inversely affected by one's pandemic concerns. In contrast, the choices were positively influenced by respondents' views on post-pandemic transit usage and keeping the adopted safety policies in place. Regarding the conventional level of service attributes, paid park and ride facilities enhanced the probability of post-pandemic transit choice almost by 15% for occasional users. In comparison, the changes due to reliable service ranged from 10 to 11% for pre-pandemic users. Analogous propensity was seen for fare schemes offering free transfers between cross borders and 25% or more off-peak discounts on base fares. Moreover, more direct transit routes and increased parking costs by vehicular modes post the pandemic encourage travellers to retake transit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sk Md Mashrur
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kaili Wang
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenden Lavoie
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Khandker Nurul Habib
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
González-Sala F, Tortosa-Pérez M, Peñaranda-Ortega M, Tortosa F. Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Road Safety: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4655. [PMID: 36901669 PMCID: PMC10001957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legalizing medical and recreational cannabis and decriminalizing this substance may have unanticipated effects on traffic safety. The present study aimed to assess the impact of cannabis legalization on traffic accidents. METHODS A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) declaration of the articles included in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The number of papers included in the review was 29. RESULTS The results show that in 15 papers, there is a relationship between the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis and the number of traffic accidents, while in 5 papers, no such relationship is observed. In addition, nine articles indicate a greater number of risk behaviors related to driving after consumption, identifying young, male, and alcohol consumption together with cannabis as the risk profile. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis has negative effects on road safety when considering the number of jobs that affect the number of fatalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco González-Sala
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Macarena Tortosa-Pérez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Peñaranda-Ortega
- Departamento de Psicología Básica y Metodología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Instituto de Investigación en Tráfico y Seguridad Vial-INTRAS, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Antoñanzas JL, Salavera C. Validation of the metacognitive skills questionnaire for drivers of vehicles (CHMC). Front Psychol 2023; 14:1054279. [PMID: 36925603 PMCID: PMC10013685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1054279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Knowing what strategies users use in the difficult task of driving has always been a priority objective in road safety, given that road accidents are one of the main causes of death in the world, as confirmed by the WHO. In this sense, the metacognitive skills questionnaire for drivers was validated. Methods The questionnaire measures the metacongitive skills used by vehicle drivers at three times before, during and after driving. Results The results of both the exploratory factor analysis (0.92 alpha by Cronbach) and the confirmatory factor analysis show the existence of three factors, a planning factor, a self-realization factor, and a third evaluation factor. Discussion Finding these results together with a psychoeducational intervention design, will improve the behavior of drivers and in turn will serve to improve the training programs of the same to the different institutions and centers responsible for such training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Antoñanzas
- Departament of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Salavera
- Departament of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Phillips RO, Berge SH. Sociotechnical Factors Supporting Mobile Phone Use by Bus Drivers. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2023; 11:1-13. [PMID: 36657015 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2023.2166161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSResults of a survey of drivers working for two bus companies in Norway suggest that 20% of drivers sometimes use a mobile phone while driving, even though it is not permitted. Sociotechnical analysis of the system surrounding drivers at one of the companies elicited ways in which social and technical factors combined to support mobile phone use by bus drivers. These factors were arranged under four themes: increased societal dependence on technology; developments in bus driver culture; the need for bus drivers to resolve conflicting goals; and a lack of belief in adverse consequences of using mobile phone while driving. Our findings (i) support claims that driver-centered analyses of mobile phone use or other traffic safety challenges are an insufficient basis for the development of measures and should be supplemented by sociotechnical analyses; and (ii) can inspire the design of more comprehensive measures to help reduce mobile phone use and road safety risks.
Collapse
|
10
|
von Beesten S, Bresges A. Effectiveness of road safety prevention in schools. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1046403. [PMID: 36605279 PMCID: PMC9808381 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1046403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that each year, 1.3 million people are killed and more than 50 million people worldwide are injured in road traffic accidents. According to a study conducted by the Allianz Center for Technology, more young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die in traffic accidents than as a result of illness, drugs, suicide, violence, or war events worldwide. That is about 400,000 per year, globally. Worldwide traffic accident prevention campaigns demonstrate the consequences of traffic accidents in an emotionalizing way in order to encourage drivers to adopt conscious safety behavior via adequate driving behavior. The consequences of traffic accidents are demonstrated by prevention campaigns often in an emotionalizing way to encourage drivers to adopt safety measurements through adequate driving behavior. Prior research suggests that the emotionalizing effect of the appeals must be accompanied by solution- as well as action-oriented and self-confidence-increasing measures, so that the instructive message is reinforced and does not lead to reactance. Thus, a strong need arose in the schools for a targeted training as the follow-up of emotional prevention campaigns. A suitable training for knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer into everyday life was developed by means of the design-based research method. To create the targeted follow-up, various methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and common traffic safety programs were adapted. This publication is dedicated to a first explorative research approach in a non-standardized form of a social training. It approaches the question of negative emotional states immediately after a Crash Kurs NRW stage event, which is a prevention program in Germany that targets upper middle school and high school courses and originates from North Rhine-Westphalia. Changes in social behavior and development of participants' own norms, values, and attitudes were observed and documented and are discussed and presented in this article. The result of the survey confirmed prior research and showed visible effects of reactance after the Crash Curs NRW campaign. It was found that a structured follow-up training is suitable to gain reactive behavior from the stage event. Knowledge deficits about the cause and outcome of accidents were successfully addressed in the follow-up. This may have influence the reactance behavior and could be a key factor for successful prevention campaigns. Further publications will observe the connection between knowledge and reactance in subsequent iterative passes of modified follow-ups for the Crash Course NRW Campaign.
Collapse
|
11
|
Faus M, Alonso F, Javadinejad A, Useche SA. Are social networks effective in promoting healthy behaviors? A systematic review of evaluations of public health campaigns broadcast on Twitter. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1045645. [PMID: 36483260 PMCID: PMC9722952 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1045645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction While public health campaigns disseminated through Twitter have multiple theoretical advantages over other strategies (e.g., a high potential reach and low economic cost), the effectiveness of social networks as facilitators of attitudinal and behavioral changes in the population seems to remain weakly supported. Therefore, this systematic review was aimed to analyze the degree of impact of healthy behavior-related campaigns as documented in scientific literature. Methods Strictly following the PRISMA methodology, a total of 109 indexed articles were obtained, of which only 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. In addition to accessing the literature available on WOS, Scopus, BVS, Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed, the quality of the existing studies was assessed through the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) protocol. Results The results of this systematic review revealed a small number of evaluations of the effectiveness of social campaigns disseminated on Twitter, although the quality of these studies was considerably good. Most of the research used statistics and metrics for evaluation, with residual use of other measurement methodologies. However, their effectiveness and impact on public health-related behaviors remain arguable, in view of the existence of marked tendencies to: (i) not evaluate these campaigns; (ii) evaluate them through excessively brief, ambiguous, or potentially biased indicators; and (iii) not carry out systematic follow-ups over time. Discussion Although there is no strong evidence of the suitability of Twitter as a suitable medium for raising public health awareness on behavioral health affairs, the actual limitations identified in this review would help to optimize this paradigm and enhance the quality, reach, and effectiveness of such communication strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Faus
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain,INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Alonso
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain,INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Arash Javadinejad
- INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio A. Useche
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain,INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain,*Correspondence: Sergio A. Useche
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Qiu J, Liu G, Yang A, Li K, Zhao H, Qin M. Analysis on alteration of road traffic casualties in western China from multi-department data in recent decade. Front Public Health 2022; 10:972948. [PMID: 36438283 PMCID: PMC9686336 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.972948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic safety has considerably improved in China. However, the changes may differ in the economically backward and altitude higher western region. This study aims to investigate changes in the occurrence and severity of traffic casualties in western China and illuminate several key causal factors. Materials and methods Traffic accident data from the Annual Traffic Accident Statistics Report combined with population and vehicle data from the China Statistics Bureau between 2009 and 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. Traffic accident numbers, fatalities, human injury (HI), case fatality rates (CFR), mortality per 100,000 population (MRP), and mortality per 10,000 vehicles (MRV) were compared between the western and eastern regions. The HI, CFR, MRV, and MRP between the four groups based on the altitude of cities, below 500 meters, 500 to 1,500 meters, 1,500 to 3,000 meters, and over 3,000 meters, were compared using one-way analysis of variance. One hundred and seventy-eight cases of extremely serious traffic accidents were further analyzed in terms of accident occurrence time, vehicle type, road grade, road shape, accident pattern, and accident reason. The differences of accident characteristics between the eastern and western regions were compared using the chi-square test. Results The number of traffic accidents and fatalities decreased in low-altitude areas in western China. However, there was a significant increasing trend in the high altitude area. The HI, CFR, MRV, and MRP were higher in the western region than that in the eastern and national. Those accident indicators tended to increase with increasing altitude. And there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among groups from different altitudes. Chi-square test results show that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in term of road grade, road shape, accident pattern between eastern and western. Low-grade roads, combined curved and sloping roads, and rollover were significant features associated with traffic accidents in the western region. Bad roads were the main cause of rollover accidents in western China, which will lead to more serious casualties. Over speeding, overloading, bad weather, vehicle failure, and driver error were the top five accident causes. Conclusion Traffic accidents are increasing in high-altitude areas of western China, and they lead to more severe casualties. The characteristics of serious traffic accidents in this part of the country differ from those of the eastern regions. Improving road safety facilities, restrictions of speed, and improving medical treatment at accident scenes may be effective measures to reduce traffic accidents related injuries in the western region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Qiu
- Institute for Traffic Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- Institute for Traffic Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ao Yang
- Institute for Traffic Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kui Li
- Institute for Traffic Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Institute for Traffic Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China,Hui Zhao
| | - Mingxin Qin
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Mingxin Qin
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Grasso A, Tagliabue M. Over-speeding trend across self-reported driving aberrant behaviors: A simulator study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1028791. [PMID: 36275261 PMCID: PMC9582949 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1028791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the relation between self-reported aberrant behaviors as measured by using the Italian version of the Manchester Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) and actual driving performance during a virtual simulation, focusing particularly on over-speeding. Individual variables are considered based on participants’ behavior, and driving styles are derived from both the self-report questionnaire and the kinematic variables obtained through a moped simulator after the simulated driving task. The experiment was carried out on an Italian sample of 79 individuals aged between 18 and 35 who had to drive throughout virtual road environments. A cluster analysis of the kinematic variables provided by the simulator was used to individuate two different groups of drivers: 45 fell into the cluster named “Prudent” and 34 participants fell into the “Imprudent” cluster. The Prudent participants were characterized by lower acceleration, lower speed, better overall evaluations, and a smaller number of accidents. Correlations showed that self-report responses correlated positively with performance variables in terms of acceleration, speed, and over-speeding. Furthermore, the results from a MANOVA supported and complemented this evidence by emphasizing the usefulness of the integrated approach employed. Overall, these results reflect the suitability of experimental sample-splitting into two clusters, pointing out the appropriateness and relevance of self-report DBQ use with particular emphasis on Ordinary Violations and Lapses. The integrated use of the driving simulator and the self-report DBQ instrument with reference to driving behavior made it possible to support previous theoretical considerations regarding the relations between on-road aberrant behaviors and over-speeding behaviors. It also enabled the addition of evidence on the effectiveness of the simulator in detecting drivers’ actual performance. These results are relevant to allow the integration of useful information to expand intervention and training designs that can be used to reduce risky behavior and promote road safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Grasso
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Tagliabue
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Mobility and Behavior Research Center—MoBe, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Mariaelena Tagliabue,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Useche SA, Faus M, Alonso F. Is safety in the eye of the beholder? Discrepancies between self-reported and proxied data on road safety behaviors—A systematic review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:964387. [PMID: 36118485 PMCID: PMC9479009 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.964387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have problematized on the lack of agreement between self-reported and proxied data in the field of road safety-related behaviors. Overall, and although these studies are still scarce, most of them suggest that the way we perceive our own road behavior is systematically different from the perspective from which we perceive others' behavior, and vice versa. The aim of this review paper was to target the number and type of studies that have researched the behavioral perceptions of different groups of road users, contrasting self-reported behavioral data with those reported by other users (proxied), and their outcomes. This systematic review followed the PRISMA methodology, which allows for the identification of relevant articles based on the research term. A total number of 222 indexed articles were filtered, and a final selection of 19 articles directly addressing the issue was obtained. Search strategies were developed and conducted in MEDLINE, WOS, Scopus and APA databases. It is remarkable how road users perceive themselves as behaviorally “safer” than the rest of road users in what concerns the knowledge of traffic norms and their on-road performance. In addition, and regardless of the type of user used as a source, self-reported data suggest their perceived likelihood to suffer a traffic crash is lesser if compared to any other user. On the other hand, proxied reports tend to undervalue third users' performance, and to perceive riskier behaviors and crash-related risks among them. The outputs of this systematic review support the idea that the perception of road users' behavior and its related risks substantially differ according to the source. It is also necessary to increase the number, coverage and rigor of studies on this matter, perhaps through complementary and mixed measures, in order to properly understand and face the bias on road users' risk-related behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Useche
- ESIC Business & Marketing School, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Sergio A. Useche
| | - Mireia Faus
- DATS (Development and Advising in Traffic Safety) Research Group, INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Alonso
- DATS (Development and Advising in Traffic Safety) Research Group, INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|