Analysis of Driver Distraction Behaviour Causing Risk of Accidents in Jordan

Abojaradeh, Mohammad · 2023 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.48295/et.2024.96.8

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Summary

This study investigates the prevalence and specific causes of distracted driving among Jordanian drivers aged 18 to 65, aiming to quantify the role of distraction in highway collisions. The research was motivated by a sharp rise in traffic accidents in Jordan, where human error accounts for 96.7% of crashes, yet official traffic reports lack specific data on distraction factors. The authors sought to identify primary distraction sources, analyze their impact on crash severity, and determine relationships between distractions and demographic factors such as age and gender. The methodology employed a survey-based approach to collect data from a representative random sample of 630 Jordanian drivers between April and June 2018. The questionnaire, available in Arabic and English, comprised 15 questions covering socioeconomic characteristics, perceived distraction impacts, and crash involvement. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS to calculate weighted means for distraction severity and to identify correlations between specific distractions and crash causation. The sample size was determined to be statistically sufficient for a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. The results indicate that 64% of drivers involved in crashes reported distraction as a contributing factor. Contrary to the perception that texting is the most frequent cause of accidents, mental distractions—such as anger, sadness, or stress—were identified as the primary cause of crashes (20%). This was followed by interactions with passengers (13%) and phone conversations (11%). While texting and reading messages were rated as the most "distracting" activities by respondents (weighted mean of 3.17), they accounted for only 7% and 6% of crash causes, respectively. Other significant factors included being in a hurry (10.7%) and sleepiness (6%). Demographic analysis revealed that male drivers and individuals in younger (18–25) and older (45+) age groups were disproportionately represented in distracted driving incidents. Additionally, female drivers reported higher distraction levels from children in the vehicle, while males reported higher distraction from hunger. The study concludes that distracted driving is a pervasive safety issue in Jordan, with cognitive and emotional factors playing a larger role in crash causation than previously assumed manual or visual distractions. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address mental distractions and demographic-specific risks, particularly for young and older drivers. By identifying that human error and specific distraction types are the primary drivers of accidents, the research provides evidence for policymakers to develop more effective road safety strategies and educational programs tailored to the unique behavioral patterns of Jordanian drivers.

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Topics

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• visual
• external distraction

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence