Relationship Between Theoretical Knowledge and Behavior in Traffic Planning: Implementation and Results of an Awareness Program for a Developing Country by a Nongovernmental Organization

This commentary involves a diagnosis of the knowledge level of the adult population about traffic safety, and the way this is related to their behavior within the traffic system in Argentina. This is done in order to plan and be able to implement a traffic safety education for children, teenagers, and adults, the goal of which will be to have a positive influence for individual and general change so as to decrease the number of traffic accidents. A general description of the actions already taken within this safety program and their results are also included. Luchemos por la Vida is a nongovernmental organization which gathered information by means of a survey of adult users of public roads (drivers) about their knowledge on several key subjects like traffic lights, safety belts, drinking and driving, speeding, bike riding, helmet use for motorbike riders, and causes of accidents. This information was cross-related with the results of systematic observations of some specific behaviors in traffic. The results showed that there was a contradiction between the "theoretical" knowledge (which was superficial and not systematic) and the real behavior of road users. On the other hand, the study of the correlation between serious traffic violations committed and records taken by the enforcement authorities showed important deficiencies in the enforcement system. From the information, the conclusion was that the knowledge which most of the population has about traffic safety is superficial, fragmented, incomplete, and is not put into practice. This knowledge is not reflected in road use behavior. The serious lack of control and law enforcement aggravates the situation creating a virtual condition of "anarchy" where each individual is left to himself or herself, without clear directions, to determine how to behave in traffic.

Keywords:

• Adult Driver Behavior
• Change Of Attitudes
• Knowledge Level
• Multiple Approach Plan
• Traffic Safety Education