Understanding Driving Behaviors and Traffic Crashes among University Commuter Drivers

Abstract: Road safety has emerged as a major concern in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia due to rapid urbanization and expansion. Given the advanced infrastructure, increased vehicle volume, and diverse road users, a comprehensive understanding of the road safety landscape is necessary. This study addresses the urgent need to assess and analyze the current state of road safety in Najran, focusing on fatalities, injuries, and property damages. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive examination of road safety dynamics in the Najran region, with a focus on the frequency, severity, underlying causes, and individual impacts of traffic accidents. This research aims to establish a robust basis for evidence-based policymaking and interventions. A survey was conducted within the campus of Najran University to gather responses from students, faculty, and staff members, enabling subsequent analysis of the responses. The research focused on a specific timeframe to provide a snapshot of road safety conditions in Najran. Statistical techniques were employed to study the cumulative number of accidents, the relative distribution of crash types, and the total number of affected individuals. The survey gathered over 600 responses; however, only 199 responses involving vehicle crashes were included in the analysis. During the study period, survey analysis revealed a cumulative toll of 199 vehicle accidents, including 38 injury crashes and 7 fatalities. Based on the relative proportions of crash severity, 19% resulted in injuries, 4% in fatalities, and 77% were crashes causing property damage only. A relationship was observed between the number of affected individuals and the occurrence of injury crashes, highlighting the possibility of multiple injuries during a single event. The results revealed that five factors out of twenty were significant in increasing the likelihood of vehicle crashes. Drivers involved in vehicle crashes were significantly affected by the time of day, driver factors, type of crash, presence of passengers, and seat belt usage. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of road safety dynamics in the Najran region, providing foundational insights that policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can use to make evidence-based decisions. The study recommends sustainable research efforts, targeted interventions, and ongoing monitoring to ensure continued improvement in road safety in the city of Najran.