摘要: |
A nationwide survey was conducted to identify how well people understand pedestrian safety issues. The study focused on the respondents' assessment of pedestrian involvement in traffic accidents and knowledge of pedestrian-related traffic control devices and pedestrian-related laws. Responses from both pedestrians and motorists were included in the findings. Questionnaires were distributed at driver's license examination stations in each of the 48 contiguous United States. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also distributed questionnaires to many of its members participating in a defensive driving course offered by the organization. From the examination stations, 3,595 completed questionnaires were returned, while 1,231 completed questionnaires were returned from the AARP. The surveys were disaggregated based on the personal experience and demographic characteristics of the respondents. These groups were tested using the chi-square method to identify statistically significant differences. The study found that a high percentage of the respondents are knowledgeable of proper pedestrian-vehicle interaction. Many of the respondents, however, appear to have a poor understanding of many of the pedestrian-related traffic control devices and issues related to safe pedestrian habits. While many of the disaggregated groups showed statistical differences, few showed practical differences that would justify the development of special programs to target specific groups, such as the elderly. |