Evaluating The Relation Between Road Safety And Public Health

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of road safety on public health by examining its influence on opportunities for physical activity and hazard exposure among drivers and pedestrians in Tikrit city. Methods: This study is cross-sectional conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 in Tikrit, Iraq. Data were collected through direct interviews with 330 participants, comprising 145 drivers and 185 pedestrians. Results: The majority of drivers (71%) and pedestrians (72%) perceived local roads as unsafe for physical activity, primarily due to insufficient space (30%). Drivers with ten or more years of experience demonstrated higher compliance with safety measures, including adhering to speed limits (65%) and yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians (63%). Holding a valid driving licence (75% of drivers) was associated with improved safety behaviour. Regarding environmental health, 75% of pedestrians and 61% of drivers reported being affected by vehicle-induced air pollution, while noise pollution affected 85% of pedestrians and 67% of drivers. Conclusion: Perceived Road unsafety constitutes a significant barrier to physical activity in Tikrit. The findings highlight driver experience and licensing status as critical determinants of safety behaviour, with implications for public health and urban planning.