Pedestrians in Iran: Determinants of unsafe traffic behaviors of pedestrians

Aghdam, Fatemeh Bakhtari; Bazargani, Homayoyn Sadeghi; Sarbakhsh, Parvin; Pashaie, Tahere; Ponnet, Koen; Nicknejad, Maryam · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-66747/v3

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Summary

This study investigates the determinants of unsafe pedestrian traffic behaviors in Iran, a region with some of the highest road traffic death rates globally. Pedestrians account for over 39% of traffic-related deaths in Iran, largely due to non-compliance with traffic laws. The research aimed to assess pedestrian traffic behaviors (PTB) across multiple domains and identify demographic predictors of unsafe conduct to inform targeted safety interventions. The researchers conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 600 pedestrians in Urmia, northwestern Iran, between May and October 2018. Participants were selected using cluster sampling from health centers, with inclusion criteria requiring individuals to be at least 18 years old and capable of walking. Data were collected using the Pedestrian Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ), a validated instrument comprising 29 items across five dimensions: adherence to traffic rules, traffic violations, positive behaviors, traffic distraction, and aggressive behaviors. Responses were scored on a five-point scale, with higher scores indicating safer behavior. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate regression models to examine the relationship between demographic variables—such as age, gender, marital status, education, daily walking rate, and transportation mode—and PTB scores. The findings revealed widespread unsafe behaviors among the participants. Only 17% demonstrated safe traffic behaviors, while over 85% reported being distracted and more than 80% failed to adhere to traffic laws. The majority exhibited traffic violations and lacked positive behaviors, and half displayed aggressive tendencies. Multivariate regression analysis identified several significant predictors of unsafe behavior. Men exhibited lower adherence to rules and higher rates of violation and aggression compared to women. Younger individuals, particularly those under 30, showed less safe behaviors than the elderly, whose PTB scores were 10.7 points higher. Additionally, single individuals, those with lower education levels, and those with shorter daily walking durations demonstrated significantly unsafe behaviors. Bicyclists and motorcyclists also displayed less safe behaviors than users of other transportation modes. The study concludes that pedestrian behaviors in Urmia are predominantly unsafe, driven by factors such as youth, male gender, lower education, and single marital status. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive interventional training programs that address all domains of traffic behavior, rather than focusing on isolated issues. They suggest specific strategies, including community safety workshops, infrastructure improvements like functional pavements, and educational campaigns to enhance mutual respect between pedestrians and drivers. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to high-risk demographic groups to reduce the burden of traffic accidents in Iran.

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• pedestrian behavior perception

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence