Pedestrian attitudes and behaviour regarding road safety

Abstract

Introduction Road traffic crashes kill about 1.24 million people each year. More than one fifth of these deaths occur among pedestrians. Pedestrian collisions, like all road traffic crashes, should not be accepted as inevitable because they are, in fact, both predictable and preventable. Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding pedestrian safety among youth in Chisinau municipality. Material and methods An observational study was initiated among young students in Chisinau mun. in the period of October - December 2020, with application of the on-line questionnaire "Knowledge and attitudes of pedestrians on road safety" consisting of 14 questions. Results From the total number of respondents (290 pedestrians, aged between 18-31 years old) 71% cross the street in forbidden places, while 42% cross the street at red. They listen to music through headphones while crossing the street (16%), don’t wear reflective clothing (71%), cross the street in unauthorized places (63%). Interviewees are concerned about the behavior of car drivers (47%) and motorcyclists (11%). In 62% of cases, alcohol consumption increases the chances of road accidents. Pedestrian safety depends on the street lighting (38%), the speed in traffic (52%), the number of crossing places (45%). In road accidents were involved 3% of the respondents. Conclusions Pedestrian safety in road traffic require a multisectoral approach, and this study showed that pedestrians are exposed at a higher risk in the city.