Road Safety Knowledge and Behaviour Among Young Drivers in a Semi-Urban Indian Setting: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Undergraduate Medical Students
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Abstract
Background: Road traffic injuries are a major public health concern, particularly among young adults. India accounts for a substantial proportion of global road traffic deaths despite having a relatively smaller share of the world’s vehicles. Limited evidence exists regarding road safety awareness and driving practices among medical students in semi-urban India.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Saifai Block, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, between September and October 2023. Census sampling was used to include consenting students with driving experience. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, road safety awareness, and driving practices. Awareness and practice scores were categorized as good or poor using the mean score as the cut-off. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of good awareness and practice.
Results: Of the 500 participants, 78.6% were aged 18–24 years, 69.2% were male, and 92.2% were two-wheeler users. Good road safety awareness was observed among 52.2% (95% CI: 47.8–56.6%) of participants, while 71.8% (95% CI: 67.9–75.7%) demonstrated good road safety practices. In multivariable analysis, male participants had significantly higher odds of good awareness than females (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 2.00–4.61), while four-wheeler users also demonstrated higher odds of good awareness (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.10–4.68). Participants aged 18–24 years had lower odds of good road safety practices than those aged >24 years (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.97). Human error was identified as the most commonly perceived cause of road traffic accidents.
Conclusion: Road safety awareness and practices among undergraduate medical students were associated with demographic and vehicle-related factors. The findings highlight the importance of targeted road safety education and behavioural interventions, particularly for younger drivers. Strengthening road safety promotion within medical institutions may contribute to safer driving practices among future healthcare professionals.
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