Evaluating The Relation Between Road Safety And Public Health
TL;DR
Perceived Road unsafety constitutes a significant barrier to physical activity in Tikrit, Iraq, and the findings highlight driver experience and licensing status as critical determinants of safety behaviour, with implications for public health and urban planning.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the effect of road safety on public health by examining its influence on opportunities for physical activity and hazard exposure among drivers and pedestrians in Tikrit city. Methods: This study is cross-sectional conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 in Tikrit, Iraq. Data were collected through direct interviews with 330 participants, comprising 145 drivers and 185 pedestrians. Results: The majority of drivers (71%) and pedestrians (72%) perceived local roads as unsafe for physical activity, primarily due to insufficient space (30%). Drivers with ten or more years of experience demonstrated higher compliance with safety measures, including adhering to speed limits (65%) and yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians (63%). Holding a valid driving licence (75% of drivers) was associated with improved safety behaviour. Regarding environmental health, 75% of pedestrians and 61% of drivers reported being affected by vehicle-induced air pollution, while noise pollution affected 85% of pedestrians and 67% of drivers. Conclusion: Perceived Road unsafety constitutes a significant barrier to physical activity in Tikrit. The findings highlight driver experience and licensing status as critical determinants of safety behaviour, with implications for public health and urban planning.