A study on road safety features and awareness in selected schools in Vellore. (7th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: John, O; John, SM; Bose, A
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 18(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A102
• Page End: A103
• Publication Date: 2012-10-07
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590d.20
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Road traffic injuries are the commonest and second leading cause of death in the 15–19 and 5–14 years age group, respectively. Aim: Road safety of school children is a poorly addressed issue in India. Safety features near schools and awareness among students were assessed in schools in Vellore. Methodology: A school transport safety checklist was prepared based on robust recommendations. A questionnaire was administered to 146 Year nine students, aged 13–17 years. Six schools were selected by convenience sampling. Results: None of the schools had speed breakers, traffic redistribution arrangements, pedestrian crossings or median islands. 66.67% had no school zone board or traffic lights at intersections near the school. Eighty-seven of 146 questionnaire respondents were boys. About 22–25% of students reported having either collided with, or been involved in a crash with a two-wheeler in the previous month. A total of 49% of the two-wheeler users rode motorised vehicles to school, despite being under-age for licence. None of the cyclists wore helmets. Only 16% students could not identify even one of four common road signs. Significance: Findings revealed near non-existent safety features near schools and inadequate awareness regarding road safety among students. A phased school safety plan should be planned in consultation with civil authorities. These findings could represent the situation in other parts of India.