Evaluation of Driver Behavior Mistakes and Their Effects on Improving Traffic Safety in Jordan

Abstract

Causes of accidents are of special concern to researchers in traffic safety, since such research would be aimed not only at prevention of accidents but also at reduction of their frequency and severity. Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of death among Jordanians. Roughly 700 people died in 2011 in car accidents according to the Jordan traffic institute out of a total population of about 6 million people.The main objectives of this study are: to identify driving behaviors and mistakes that drivers make; based on a questionnaire, which may cause traffic accidents in Jordan and highlight their effect on traffic safety. Also, to develop traffic accidents regression prediction models. Also, to propose effective countermeasures to reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. The analysis is based on the questionnaire by using SPSS software to predict accident rates and compare the results with the model reports developed in Jordan and Amman area.The data for this study was collected from a survey questionnaire which was distributed to a sample of drivers in Amman Area and in some Jordan Universities.  The data from the survey questionnaire were analyzed and used in forming the regression models. It was found that the drivers' behavior is considered aggressive, according to the first part which represents the participant's opinion weather they listed the behavior as aggressive or not, and the other part which represent weather the participants conducted this behavior or not. Also, there was a strong direct relationship between the driver behaviors and their exposure to accidents. In conclusion, the aggressive behavior increases the chance of exposure to accidents.From this study, it was concluded that the main causes of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities that are related to driver behavior. Preventive countermeasures were recommended to enhance traffic safety in Jordan.

Keywords: Traffic Accidents, Traffic Safety, Driver Behavior, Driver Mistakes, Aggressive driving, Countermeasures, Regression Models.