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Affiliation
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Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, India |
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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Road traffic accidents (RTA) are the biggest killers according to the Global Status Report on Road Safety.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the road safety in the vicinity of the educational institutions in the city of Mangaluru in South India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Considering the proportion of educational institutions having road safety standards in place as 50%, absolute error as 5%, and z as 1.96 ( 95% confidence level), the required sample size was about 100 institutions. It was decided to sample approximately 100 each of government and private education institutions from a total of about 964 schools and colleges in the city limits of Mangaluru and survey them using a comprehensive checklist prepared based on some previous studies.
RESULTS: Of the 200 schools observed for road safety features using a preformed checklist, 124 (62%) were located on the main road, 76 (38%) had an approach road from the main road to reach the school. Of these only 23 (11.5%) of institutions had road sign showing school/college, 14 (7%) had a signage showing children crossing, 37 (18.5) had a speed breaker for slowing of traffic and only 2 (1%) had zebra crossing. Sixty four (32%) institutions had parking space and 12 (6%) had sidewalk/pavement for safety.
CONCLUSION: It was found that the road safety features and the safe environment around the schools were inadequate putting children, young adults and the employees of these institutions at risk.
Language: en |