Differences in traffic safety behaviours between male and female drivers across road categories in a developing country: A case study

Abstract

Rising traffic crash rates present a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where fatality rates are disproportionately high. Sex and road type are critical but underexplored factors influencing risky driving behaviours. This study aims to investigate sex-specific driving behaviours across various road types, providing insights into how males and females differ in their driving habits. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, seatbelt usage and mobile phone use while driving are risky behaviours selected for analysis. Data were collected through a survey of 1309 licensed drivers. Statistical tools, namely Student’s t-test and ordinal logistic regression analysis, were used to determine gender differences while controlling for age and driving experience. Findings indicate that male drivers were generally more prone to risky behaviours such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. Female drivers reported significantly higher rates (as confirmed by both the t-test (p = 0.007) and regression analysis (p = 0.029)) of extreme speeding (exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h) on high-speed roads. They also demonstrated greater vigilance in ensuring the safety of themselves and their passengers by wearing seatbelts on regional (p = 0.003) and urban roads (p = 0.001). Despite previous research suggesting lower awareness of alcohol-impaired driving risks in developing countries, the findings from this study indicate that the majority of drivers exhibit a higher level of risk awareness than typically expected in such contexts. Additionally, while prior studies have shown that men are more prone to distractions, this study finds that both genders exhibit similar tendencies toward texting and using social media while driving. Findings reveal that risky behaviours are dependent on gender and context, with some results diverging from patterns established in developed countries. Tailored interventions are needed targeting men in urban areas and awareness campaigns addressing excessive speeding among women on high-speed roads.