A Study on Traffic Awareness at Jordanian Universities: A Case Study of the German Jordanian University

Abstract

Traffic safety, particularly among young adults, is a critical public health concern that necessitates a deeper understanding of the factors influencing driving behaviors and compliance with traffic regulations. This study, conducted at the German Jordanian University in Amman, Jordan, aimed to elucidate these factors by evaluating the traffic awareness and behaviors of a diverse group comprising students, academic staff, and other university employees. Employing a survey methodology, the research engaged over 500 individuals, yielding 300 responses. This survey revealed notable trends, for example, a significant portion of drivers exhibited non-compliance with speed limits and seatbelt usage, coupled with prevalent mobile phone usage while driving. A concerning observation was that the majority of respondents who had experienced one or two accidents fell within the 18–19 age range. The study also highlighted the perception of social media as the most effective medium for traffic awareness campaigns, in contrast to television, which was deemed the least effective. These findings underscore a pressing need for comprehensive traffic safety education, especially among younger drivers. The results advocate for the integration of Traffic Awareness as a mandatory module within university curricula, ensuring a structured and consistent approach to instilling the importance of traffic safety measures. Such an initiative could significantly contribute to reducing traffic-related incidents and fostering a culture of responsible driving within the university community.

1 Introduction

The expanding growth of educational institutions in Jordan paralleled with increased vehicle ownership and usage, has heightened the importance of studying traffic awareness in these microcosms of society. The German Jordanian University, located on the outskirts of Amman, presents a unique setting to explore these dynamics. It serves as a microcosm that encapsulates the complexities of Jordanian traffic, including issues related to student and faculty commuting, campus traffic management, and the interplay between university policies and national traffic regulations. This paper presents an in-depth study on traffic awareness in Jordan, focusing on a case study of the German Jordanian University (GJU), a prominent educational institution known for its blend of Jordanian and German academic cultures. This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of traffic behaviors, perceptions, and safety measures within and around the university, reflecting broader trends and challenges in Jordanian urban traffic management. This case study is particularly relevant as it examines traffic awareness in a setting where young adults, a demographic crucial to the future of Jordan’s road safety, are predominant. It explores how traffic awareness and behaviors are shaped by a combination of educational influences, cultural backgrounds, and the physical infrastructure of the university. The study seeks to answer critical questions: How does the university environment influence traffic awareness and behaviors? What role do educational programs and campus policies play in shaping students’ and staff’s attitudes toward road safety?

The outcomes of this study are anticipated to offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and urban planners. By understanding the specificities of traffic awareness in a university setting, more targeted and effective strategies can be developed to enhance road safety, not just within the confines of educational institutions but across the broader spectrum of Jordanian urban and suburban areas. As Jordan strides towards a future marked by urban development and technological advancement, fostering a culture of traffic awareness becomes paramount in safeguarding the well-being of its citizens, and this study contributes significantly to this critical mission.

2 Background

This literature review synthesizes key findings from existing research to provide a contextual foundation for understanding traffic awareness in Jordan.

2.1 Traffic Safety and Road Accidents in Jordan

Several studies have highlighted the growing concern for road safety in Jordan. Al-Khateeb, Ghazi (2010) emphasized the high prevalence of road traffic injuries in the Middle East, with Jordan experiencing a significant number of these incidents, often attributed to risky driving behaviors and inadequate road safety measures [1]. Similarly, several studies indicated that One-fifth of observed drivers are speeding, and One-fourth of observed drivers change lanes [3, 4]. The study recommends Improving the capacity of driving instructors through certification and follow-up and increasing practical and theoretical training hours for drivers.

2.2 Youth and Traffic Behavior

Focusing on the youth demographic, prevalent in university settings, research by a group of researchers examined the effect of teenage driving on mortality and risky behaviors in the United States [2]. The study indicates that teenage drivers are 6–9 times more likely to die per additional mile driven than adult drivers. This demographic’s attitudes and behaviors are particularly relevant to the GJU context.

2.3 Impact of Educational Institutions on Traffic Awareness

Educational institutions can promote traffic awareness among students by creating educational programs and campaigns. Studies show that training on traffic rules and road safety improves awareness among students. Safety campaigns on campus significantly improve students’ adherence to traffic rules. Integrating traffic education into university curricula is recommended to foster a culture of safety among young adults.

2.4 Urban Transportation and Campus Planning

The link between urban transportation and campus planning also forms a critical aspect of traffic awareness. Several studies highlighted the importance of integrating transportation planning with campus development, suggesting that well-designed campus environments can positively influence commuting behaviors and traffic safety [5, 6].

2.5 Gaps in Literature and Research Objective

While the existing literature provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of traffic awareness in Jordan, there remains a gap in research specifically focused on the traffic dynamics within university settings like GJU. Furthermore, the interplay between educational influence and cultural factors in shaping traffic behavior in such environments is an area that requires deeper exploration.

The review of existing literature indicates a critical need for targeted research in the context of academic institutions like GJU to develop effective traffic awareness and safety strategies. This study aims to address these gaps by focusing on the unique setting of GJU, offering insights that could inform broader traffic safety initiatives in Jordan.

3 Methodology

To achieve the research objectives, a structured survey was conducted, targeting specific groups. The survey, divided into several sections, was designed for comprehensive data collection, as shown in Table 1. The first section gathered demographic information, including age, marital status, and education level. The second section focused on respondents’ driving behaviors to understand their daily driving experiences and habits. The final section assessed participants’ views on traffic awareness and accident occurrences, providing insights into their perceptions. The survey, executed via Google Survey tool for broad access, was distributed to 500 individuals, with 300 responses received, resulting in an impressive 60% response rate, indicating high engagement in the targeted group.

Table 1. Survey Questions.

3.1 Descriptive Analysis

In this study, the methodological approach was structured into three distinct yet interconnected segments, each designed to provide a holistic understanding of traffic awareness among the target demographic. The methodology comprised demographic analysis, behavioral assessment, and opinion evaluation, thereby offering a comprehensive view of the variables influencing traffic safety and awareness.

Descriptive Analysis of Survey Responses

The survey was constructed to primarily target young drivers at the German Jordanian University. However, it also garnered participation from a broader spectrum including instructors, workers, and graduates. Figure 1 exhibits a range of visual representations pertaining to the survey questions featured in the study.

Fig. 1.

Visual representations pertaining to some of the survey questions featured in the study.

Based on the survey response, the following is summarized:

• 1. Age Demographics: Predominantly young, with 73% aged 18–25.

• 2. Marital Status: 80% single, reflecting the youthful demographic.

• 3. Educational Level: 68.3% hold a bachelor’s degree; smaller percentages have higher or secondary education.

• 4. Driving License Acquisition: 72.7% got their license at 18; 13% over 20.

• 5. Vehicle Ownership and Insurance: 74% own a vehicle; diverse insurance types noted.

• 6. Vehicle Maintenance: 45% regularly maintain their vehicles.

• 7. Accident Involvement: 47% involved in one or two accidents.

• 8. First Accident Age: 52% had their first accident between 15–19 years.

• 9. Perceived High-Risk Age Groups: Highest risk seen in ages 16–20.

• 10. Speed Limit Compliance: 55% sometimes exceed speed limits.

• 11. Traffic Light Obedience: 81% always obey traffic lights.

• 12. Driving While Fatigued: 66% drive even when fatigued.

• 13. Seatbelt Usage: 55% regularly wear seatbelts.

• 14. Other Driving Behaviors: Includes phone usage and eating while driving.

• 15. Child Safety: 70% don’t use a car seat for children.

• 16. Causes of Accidents: Speeding (86%) seen as the top cause.

• 17. Traffic Awareness: 82% favor mandatory Traffic Awareness courses; social media is seen as key for awareness promotion.

Implications and Insights

This analysis offers crucial insights into the traffic safety perceptions and behaviors within the university community. It highlights the necessity of interventions focused on young drivers to improve traffic safety awareness. The identification of speeding and distractions as primary accident causes emphasizes the need for behavioral change and compliance with safety standards. These findings are instrumental in shaping customized traffic safety initiatives and campaigns at the university to decrease accidents and foster a road safety culture.

3.2 Examination of Relationships and Analytical Approaches

This study utilized chi-square tests to analyze associations between categorical variables, such as age, income, driving habits, and attitudes towards traffic safety, in relation to reported traffic accidents.

• 1. Demographic and Behavioral Correlations: The study initially examined demographic factors (age, marital status) and driving behaviors (speed limit adherence, seatbelt usage), identifying behavioral patterns linked to traffic incidents.

• 2. Perceptual Analysis: It also explored participants’ perceptions, including their views on the effectiveness of traffic awareness campaigns and causes of teenage driving accidents, and how these relate to their accident experiences.

• 3. Statistical Significance and Interpretation: The strength of each association was measured using chi-square statistics, with p-values below 0.05 indicating statistical significance. These significant correlations are important for further investigation and analysis.

4 Results and Discussion

This study sought to uncover the intricate relationships between individual driving behaviors, demographic characteristics, and perceptions related to traffic safety and accident occurrences. Utilizing chi-square statistical analysis, the research aimed to identify significant correlations that could provide actionable insights into enhancing road safety within the university milieu. This section presents the key relationships and their Implications derived from the chi-square, offering a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to traffic safety and the potential avenues for intervention.

4.1 Chi-Square Statistic

This study used chi-square tests to examine the relationships between driving behaviors, demographics, and traffic accidents at the German Jordanian University. The chi-square statistic in Table 2 measures the strength of these associations, while the p-value determines their significance.

Table 2. Chi-Square Statistic

The study highlights several key relationships with implications for traffic safety:

• 1. Demographic Factors and Accident Frequency: There are significant correlations between certain demographic variables and the frequency of traffic accidents, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in designing traffic safety measures and educational programs.

• 2. Driving Behaviors and Safety: Specific driving behaviors, such as speeding and adherence to safety practices, show a significant relationship with accident occurrences.

• 3. Perceptions of Traffic Safety: The research also explores participants’ perceptions of traffic safety, including opinions on effective awareness methods and common accident causes. This provides valuable insights into the community’s awareness and attitudes, crucial for developing effective awareness campaigns.

• 4. Vehicle Ownership and Insurance: The study found no significant statistical relationship between vehicle ownership, insurance type, and accident frequency, indicating these factors may not directly impact accident likelihood in the university community.

The study found that speeding plays a significant role in traffic accidents. While safety measures like seatbelt use are well known, targeted education on practical behavior-focused traffic safety is needed to address the gap between knowledge and behavior. It’s crucial to develop age-specific and behavior-focused safety initiatives for universities. Social media is an effective tool for promoting traffic awareness among young people, providing insights for future campaign designs.

4.2 Traffic Awareness at German Jordanian University

The survey analysis from the German Jordanian University provides several key findings regarding traffic awareness:

• 1. Risk Perception: Respondents identified speeding, mobile phone use, and not wearing seatbelts as major risk factors in traffic accidents, underscoring the importance of these issues in traffic safety education.

• 2. Demographics and Traffic Safety: Links between demographic factors like income and vehicle ownership with traffic accidents and safety perceptions suggest that targeted safety initiatives for specific groups could be more effective.

• 3. Traffic Awareness Strategies: The prevalent belief in the effectiveness of social media for traffic awareness promotion points to the potential of digital platforms in university-targeted traffic safety campaigns.

• 4. Behavioral Gaps: Despite awareness of risks, the lack of a significant correlation between this knowledge and reduced accident frequency in certain areas (e.g., seatbelt usage) suggests a gap between awareness and safer behavior, indicating a need for more practical, behavior-focused education.

• 5. Policy Recommendations: Insights on the perceived effectiveness of social media and demographic-specific risks should inform the university’s development of more targeted and effective traffic safety policies and educational programs.

5 Conclusions and Recommendations

In conclusion, the survey responses from the German Jordanian University indicate a reasonable level of traffic awareness among participants, particularly regarding the identification of risky behaviors. However, there is room for improvement in translating this awareness into safer driving practices. Tailored educational initiatives and effective use of social media could enhance the impact of traffic safety campaigns within the university community. This research contributes valuable insights into the factors influencing traffic safety within the university community. The statistically significant relationships identified offer a foundation for developing tailored traffic safety programs and policies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track changes in driving behaviors and attitudes over time, further enhancing the understanding of traffic safety dynamics within similar communities.