Residents Views on Road Safety: Traffic Flow, Infrastructure, and Socio-Demographic Influences

Abstract: Improving roadway safety has long been a central focus of transportation research, with numerous initiatives implemented to reduce crash rates and enhance overall safety. Despite progress, studies directly linking traffic flow, transportation infrastructure, and user perspectives on safety are relatively scarce. Understanding how users perceive their safety on roadways offers valuable insights into subjective experiences that may not be evident through crash data alone. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing how factors such as traffic flow and infrastructure quality shape residents' safety perceptions in Austin, Texas.

The study analyzes community survey data collected in 2018 and 2019, involving over 3,000 residents. Respondents rated their agreement with the statement, "I feel safe traveling with other drivers on the road,". The ordered logistic model was used to analyze responses, where respondents needed to rank their satisfaction levels from strongly agree to strongly disagree with the question. The model examined how satisfaction with traffic flow on major and minor roadways, signal timing, street conditions, lighting, and sidewalk maintenance influenced safety perceptions. Additionally, demographic factors such as race, gender, income, and residency duration were included to explore how these variables interact with infrastructure and traffic conditions to affect safety perceptions.

The results indicate that residents with higher satisfaction regarding traffic flow on major highways and city streets were more likely to feel safe traveling with other drivers. Satisfaction with signal timing, street conditions, and lighting also played a critical role in improving safety perceptions. Street maintenance, particularly the upkeep of sidewalks, emerged as a significant predictor of perceived safety, emphasizing the importance of well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure.

Demographic analysis revealed that Hispanic and Asian American residents were more likely to feel safe compared to Caucasians. Additionally, higher-income individuals, particularly those earning $150,000 or more annually, reported feeling safer than lower-income residents. Male residents also expressed a higher likelihood of feeling safe, aligning with existing research on gender differences in risk perception and driving confidence.

Interestingly, residents with longer tenures in Austin were less likely to feel safe on the road. This trend may be due to increased awareness of local traffic hazards or accumulated negative experiences over time. Conversely, factors such as the presence of bike lanes and trails, as well as residents' age, did not show a strong association with safety perceptions.

These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners seeking to enhance roadway safety. Prioritizing investments in traffic flow management, signal timing, street maintenance, and lighting could significantly improve residents' perceived safety. Understanding demographic variations in safety perceptions can help tailor interventions that address the specific concerns of diverse community groups. This study underscores the importance of involving users in transportation planning, ensuring that improvements align with the experiences and needs of the community.