Awareness and Practice of Road Safety Rules among Secondary School Students in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: More than 1.2 million people die each year on the world's roads. Most of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries where rapid economic growth has been accompanied by increased motorization and road traffic injuries. Prevention of road traffic accidents thus becomes very crucial in order to improve the longevity and the quality of life of the individuals concerned. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness and practice of road safety rules among secondary school students. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 150 secondary school students aged between 13-17 years studying in selected government and private secondary schools of Achrol, Jaipur district, Rajasthan. The samples were selected through simple random sampling technique. A pre-designed and pre-tested structured multiple choice questionnaire and checklist was used for assessment of awareness and practice of road safety rules. The collected data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: With regards to awareness regarding road safety rules, 9(6%) had had poor awareness, 103(68.7%) had average awareness and 38(25.3%) had good awareness. With regards to practice regarding road safety rules, 6(4%) had had unsatisfactory practice, 108(72%) had partially satisfactory practice and 36(24%) had satisfactory practice. Conclusion: Majority of secondary school students had average awareness and partially satisfactory practice regarding road safety rules. Education reminding and strict enforcement of traffic rules can increase awareness and motivate them to strictly adhere to the traffic norms and help to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to road traffic accidents.