Comparison between the risks in road safety behaviour in urban and rural areas in Latvia in 2016

Bukova-Zideluna, Aija; Villerusa, Anita; Pudule, Iveta · 2019 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1051/shsconf/20196801008

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Summary

This study investigates differences in self-reported road safety attitudes and risk-taking behaviors between urban and rural residents in Latvia, motivated by the country’s high traffic fatality rates and the over-representation of fatal accidents in rural areas. Despite mandatory seatbelt laws, Latvia’s seatbelt usage rates remain lower than those of other European Union countries, contributing to significant injury and death burdens. The research aims to identify specific demographic and behavioral disparities that may explain these outcomes, particularly focusing on seatbelt compliance and perceptions of risk regarding short trips, low speeds, and alcohol consumption. The analysis utilized data from the 2016 Health Behaviour among the Latvian Adult Population survey, which included a representative sample of 3,596 residents aged 15 to 74. Participants were selected via stratified random sampling and quota methods, with data collected through face-to-face standardized interviews. The study examined self-reported seatbelt use in front and rear seats, alongside agreement with specific statements regarding the necessity of seatbelts on short journeys or at speeds under 40 km/h, and the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s chi-squared tests and logistic regression, were employed to compare urban and rural populations while controlling for gender, age, and education levels. The results revealed distinct patterns in seatbelt usage and attitudes. While front-seat seatbelt use was high in both groups, rural residents had significantly higher odds of always using front-seat seatbelts (OR = 1.27) compared to urban residents. Conversely, urban residents had higher odds of using rear-seat seatbelts (OR = 1.14), with only 52.1% of rural respondents reporting consistent rear-seat usage. Rural residents were more likely to hold misconceptions about seatbelt necessity, agreeing more frequently that seatbelts were unnecessary for short trips (OR = 1.42) or at speeds below 40 km/h (OR = 1.22). Additionally, rural respondents were more likely to acknowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol increases accident risk (OR = 1.45). Demographic factors such as gender, age, and education level further influenced these behaviors, with rural males and younger individuals showing lower compliance rates. The study concludes that there is insufficient road safety awareness in Latvia, particularly in rural areas where the risk of traffic accidents is higher. The findings suggest that targeted interventions are necessary to improve rear-seat seatbelt usage, especially among rural males, young adults, and those with 10–12 years of education. The authors recommend combining stricter law enforcement with educational campaigns to shift road safety culture from risk-receptive to risk-protective. By addressing specific attitudinal barriers and demographic vulnerabilities, these measures could help reduce the disproportionate burden of traffic fatalities and injuries in rural Latvia.

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• urban rural setting
• seat belt use

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence