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Abstract
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Objective: The objectives of this research were to assess the extent of drivers' involvement in accident fatalities and injuries in relation to the total fatalities and injuries resulting from accidents in Jordan, to explore driver fatalities and injuries in relation to age, and to identify the main causes for accidents in Jordan.
Method: The researcher conducted an extensive review of the records of accidents occurring in Jordan during 1999. All the data were obtained from the Jordan Traffic Institute. The research team was provided full access to the JTI's "Accident Computer Database" to achieve the objectives of this study.
Results: The results indicate that drivers in Jordan accounted for nearly half the fatalities and injuries resulting from accidents involving a driver and/or a passenger only. Drivers in their early to late twenties, and drivers in their late fifties were found to be over-represented in driver fatalities and injuries. Also, tailgating (close following) and drivers' incorrect use of lanes were found to be leading causes of driver fatalities and injuries in Jordan.
Conclusions: Based on the above results of this study, drivers between the ages of 18 and 28 years are over-involved in fatalities and injuries. The same result was found for drivers between the ages of 45 to 52 years and 57 to 60 years. It is recommended that funds and grants be geared towards educational efforts to be taken to increase awareness among drivers regarding the hazards associated with such driving malpractices. Such educational materials should target all drivers with emphasis placed on younger drivers. |