Attitudes towards road safety among pre-drivers: The case of Qatar

Abstract

A preliminary study involving school students aged 12-18 years attempted to test whether there is difference in attitudes towards road safety between Arab and non-Arab respondents. The sampled participants were categorized according to age group, ethnicity and type of school they attend. Responses on their perceived driving ability, basic road safety knowledge and their willingness to participate in a common road safety campaign were analyzed. The results show that Arab students of pre-driving age tend to perceive that they have the skills to drive and showed poorer attitude towards road safety than non-Arab students. Older students of Arab origin and in public schools are more likely not to participate in road safety campaigns as compared to the younger age group of non-Arab origin and in private schools. Attitude change interventions that is appealing to pre-drivers of Arab origin studying in public school could be more effective strategy to raise the road safety awareness in par with the rest of the residents. Carefully designed contents for driving simulators that convey interactive road safety lessons and Variable Message Signs (VMS) can be considered and maximize effectiveness of road safety campaigns. IEOM Society International.