Attitudes and Awareness of Traffic Safety among Drivers in Tripoli-Libya

Yahia, Hussin A.M; Ismail, Amiruddin; Ali‬, Shaban Ismael Albrka; Almselati, Aldukali Salem I.; Ladin, Mohd Azizul · 2014 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.19026/rjaset.7.929

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Summary

This study investigates the influence of age and gender on drivers’ attitudes toward traffic law violations and their awareness of traffic safety regulations in Tripoli, Libya. Motivated by the high rate of road accidents in Libya, which accounts for approximately 10% of the national death rate, the research aims to identify demographic factors contributing to risky driving behaviors. The authors note that while global traffic fatalities disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, specific data on driver attitudes in Libya was limited. The study seeks to determine how demographic variables correlate with knowledge of traffic laws and compliance behaviors, providing a basis for targeted safety interventions. The researchers employed a cross-sectional survey design, distributing questionnaires to drivers in Tripoli. A total of 384 completed responses were analyzed from an initial sample of 500, yielding a 76.8% response rate. The sample comprised 210 males (54.7%) and 174 females (45.3%), with age groups ranging from 18–25 to over 42 years. Participants were recruited from workplaces, universities, and public gatherings in the city center. The questionnaire assessed self-reported knowledge of traffic laws, attitudes toward safety, and behavioral changes in the presence of police or penalties. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Chi-square tests, were used to examine differences across gender, age, and nationality. The results indicate that gender and age significantly influence traffic law knowledge and attitudes, though the margins are modest. Male respondents demonstrated higher knowledge of traffic laws (74%) compared to females (61%). However, males also exhibited a higher tendency to violate traffic laws, particularly younger males aged 18–25. Older drivers (41–50 and above 50) reported higher awareness and knowledge scores than younger cohorts. Regarding behavioral compliance, 54% of respondents identified driver negligence and speeding as the primary causes of accidents. Notably, 47% of male respondents and 45.15% of female respondents indicated they would alter their driving behavior if police were present. Libyan nationals were more likely to change behavior in the presence of police compared to non-Libyan residents. Additionally, younger drivers (18–25) were more likely to report changing behavior after receiving penalties than older drivers. The study concludes that demographic factors, particularly gender and age, are critical determinants of traffic safety awareness and compliance in Tripoli. The findings suggest that males, especially young males, are more prone to non-compliance despite having higher self-reported knowledge of laws. The authors recommend intensified enforcement against speeding, improved driver education regarding traffic signals, and broader media campaigns to raise awareness. They also suggest leveraging experiences from developed nations to mitigate accident risks. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing the specific behavioral patterns of young male drivers and emphasizes the role of consistent penalty enforcement in modifying driving behavior.

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Topics

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• sex gender
• cultural cross national