Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Assessment of Traffic Safety and Awareness among Youth in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia
by Emhaidy S. Gharaibeh and Ahmad M. Abu Abdo

Abstract:
Due to the importance role of traffic regulations knowledge and awareness in the reduction of traffic accidents, especially among the youth, this study was initiated to assess the traffic regulations knowledge and awareness of university and high school students in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. To meet the objective of this study, a survey was designed and distributed to students at King Faisal University and selected high schools in the region. The total number of participants was 1007 with the majority of participants between 15 to 19 years old. Data had shown that a low percentage complied with traffic regulations and the use of seatbelts. A relatively high number of participants lacked the knowledge of important traffic signs, especially signs designated for yielding to traffic and pedestrians, which could be one of the major reasons for the high rate of accidents in the region in combination to excessive speeding. Furthermore, participants agreed that TV programs would be the best method for promoting traffic awareness. In spite of the high usage of the internet by youth, the internet was considered the least effective method. In conclusion, this study showed that youth in Al-Ahsa region had the knowledge of wrong driving practices, but they lacked it in traffic regulations and signs. Therefore, it is recommends that the traffic regulations and safety awareness start at an early stage and age, through TV programs and school activities. In addition, knowledge of traffic signs should be emphasized with the increase of the enforcement of traffic regulations.

Keywords: traffic awareness, traffic safety, traffic survey, traffic accidents, youth, al-ahsa, saudi arabia

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