Investigating Unsafe Behaviors in Traffic Conflict Situations: An Observational Study

CHINEBULI UZONDU, Samantha Jamson, Frank Lai

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

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Abstract

Although road users are aware of the possible risks of engaging in unsafe behaviors while driving, they continue to do so. These behaviors often contribute to traffic incidents and crashes involving them and other road users. This study set out to analyze the effect of road user type, location and time of day on unsafe driving behaviors observed in traffic conflict situations. Data were collected by road side observation at three different locations in the Eastern part of Nigeria using the Traffic Conflict Technique (TCT). This approach was adopted to overcome the inherent problems associated with reliable, inadequate and accessible crash data in Nigeria. In total 946 traffic conflicts were observed and statistical testing showed that drivers were involved in one or more unsafe behaviors prior to these conflicts. Of all unsafe behaviors observed, the incorrect use of indicators (13.3%) and tailgating (11.5%) were found to be the most prevalent, while road user type, location and time of day were found to be statistically associated with unsafe behaviors such as passenger scouting and picking/dropping of passengers. Tricycle drivers were significantly more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors than vehicle drivers, drivers are also more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors on straight roads. Additionally, a greater number of these unsafe behaviors were observed during the peak periods. It is recommended that better road infrastructure, more effective regulations and enforcement, and proper road safety education could help improve traffic safety in Nigeria.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages14
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2018
EventAnnual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB): TRB 2018 - The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C., United States
Duration: 7 Jan 201811 Jan 2018
Conference number: 97
https://trid.trb.org/view/1494779

Conference

ConferenceAnnual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB)
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington D.C.
Period7/01/1811/01/18
Internet address

Keywords

  • Behaviour
  • Crash data
  • Human factors
  • Traffic Conflicts
  • Traffic Safety

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