Research Paper: Driver’s Effective Factors in Traffic Accident: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods

Abstract

Background: Human factors have the most significant effects on the occurrence of traffic accidents among the three factors of human, road, and vehicle. The driver is a significant traffic safety concern. Interventions that enhance driver's safety are required. Risky behaviors of drivers on the road influence physical healthy and personality. The aim of this study is to report the protocol for a sequential explanatory mixed methods study that set out to determine the drivers' traffic factors, the associated factors and exploring the perception of drivers about the risky traffic factors on the road. The ultimate purpose of the study is to design a preventive and cultural based strategy to promote driver's safety. Materials and Methods:This is a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. The study has two sequential strands. The follow-up explanation model has used to develop the quantitative results by gathering qualitative data from participants who could assist in elucidating the results correctly. During the first strand (a quantitative phase) and a population-based crosssectional survey of a sample of drivers of all ages and level of experiences will be carried out using the proportional random sampling method, in Tehran, Iran. Data will be collected by questionnaires involving items on socio-demographic information, items on measuring health (Drivers Medical Questionnaire), and questions on five-factor Personality (NEO-FFI), drivers risky behaviors (Manchester driving behavior questionnaire). Questionnaires will be completed through a face-to-face interview. In the second strand, a qualitative study will be conducted. A purposeful sampling strategy will be used, and participants who can help to explain the quantitative findings will be selected. Individual fully developed interviews will predominate data collection in the qualitative strand the. A qualitative content analysis approach will be undertaken to create an itemized understanding of the traffic-risky behaviors among drivers of all ages and level of experiences. Conclusion:The findings of this explanatory mixed methods study will provide information on traffic-risky behaviors by all drivers. The results will be implemented to design a cultural based strategy, and intervention programs are to be designed to promote driver's health in the community.

Effects of Flashing Brake Lights on Drivers’ Brake Reaction Time and Releasing Accelerator Gas Pedal Time

“…According to the WHO Global Burden of Disease Project, road traffic accidents caused 1.27 million deaths in 2004. The road traffic injuries exert a considerable economic burden worldwide, especially in developing countries, which are under pressure to provide their developmental needs [3,4]. The global financial loss due to road traffic injuries are estimated to be US $518 billion and it costs governments between 1% and 3% of their gross national product.…”

“…Human factors are the leading causes or the determining factors in 90-95% of all traffic accidents. Human factors refer to the physical, psychological, social, and cultural characteristics of the drivers [4]. Therefore, as a human factor, driver's carelessness and lack of alertness increase the risk of an accident [3,[7][8][9].…”

“…Drivers need to have an acceptable level of physical and mental health to reduce risky road behaviors. Their characteristics are associated with their driving abilities and behaviors [4]. This study aimed at investigating the effect of flashing brake light (7 Hz) in decreasing drivers' brake reaction time as well as release gas pedal time.…”