1. 1- Abbas K. A., Mabrouk I., and Al-Araby A. K. (1996) School Children as Pedestrians in Cairo: Proxies for Improving Road Safety. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 122, No. 4, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), U.S.A. pp. 291-299.
   2- Abbas K. A., Mabrouk I., and Al-Araby A. K. (1994) Traffic Behaviour of School Children in Cairo: Implications for Road Safety. Proceedings of the 22nd European Transport Forum Organised by Planning and Transport Research and Computation (PTRC), Seminar J: Traffic Management and Road Safety, Warwick, UK pp. 83-99.

Abstract:

This research attempts to infer the pattern of traffic behaviour of school children. In doing so, the study seeks to measure the factors that affect traffic behaviour of school children. These include: traffic experience, traffic cognitive skills and abilities, traffic perceptual skills, traffic attitude and traffic knowledge. The study would endeavour to explore the extent that these factors contribute to the traffic behaviour of school children in Cairo. The study also aims to perceive and identify the constraints that hinder the mobility of school children and the traffic hazards that they encounter. A sample of school children is chosen. The sample is chosen to represent different parameters such as affluence of district where school is located, type of school, level of education, gender and age of school children. A specially designed questionnaire is completed by the sample (1615 school child). The purpose of this questionnaire is to measure the level of traffic knowledge as well as traffic attitude of school children. In addition, the data collected would help in defining the level of traffic experience that school children possess. Collected data items include: gender and age of school children, age at which children were first permitted to deal with traffic on their own, type and intensity of road traffic to which children are exposed. In addition, several traffic-related perceptual questions were included in the questionnaire. In conclusion, measures aimed to enhance (raise and improve) the existing levels of school children traffic experience, traffic cognitive skills and abilities, traffic perceptual skills, traffic attitude and traffic knowledge, and hence traffic behaviour are suggested. In addition different safety actions, (engineering, educational, enforcement, publicity, regulatory), are examined. Appropriate methods that are meant to eventually improve the road safety situation for school children are recommended.

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.

1. 3- Al-Araby A. K., Mabrouk I., and Abbas K. A. (1996) Traffic Perception, Attitude and Skills of School Children: An Assessment of Contributing Elements. Proceedings of the International Conference Road Safety in Europe and Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), Prague, The Czech Republic - No. 4A, Part 2: High Risks and Road User Groups, pp. 194-209. Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute.

Abstract:

In recent years, many countries have been giving more attention to the traffic safety of children. Unfortunately in most developing countries, the situation is still relatively neglected. Of all factors contributing to children accidents in developing countries, the most significant are poor traffic behaviour and non compliance with traffic rules by children due to flawed traffic perception and attitude, inadequate traffic knowledge and training and lack of skills. In this research a strong emphasis is given to analyzing the effect of age gender socioeconomic background and type of schooling differences have on children’s traffic behaviour in Cairo. Traffic behaviour of children is known to be affected by traffic perception, attitude, skills and knowledge. A stratified random sample of 1615 school children representing various degrees of affluence, age gender and type of schooling were surveyed and results were analysed. In addition, traffic behaviour of school children in particular walking and crossing patterns was videotaped to assess their actual behaviour and validate stated behavioural patterns. The research concludes that socioeconomic background is the leading factor affecting children’s behaviour followed by type and stage of school. Children gender was found only to affect traffic perception and attitude with no significant difference between boys and girls in traffic knowledge and skills. Of all children investigated, children in the primary school stage who live in leas affluent districts ad attend public schools were found to be the most exposed to traffic and exhibit the worst traffic behaviour. The research concludes with a selected set of policy recommendation and countermeasures that could be investigated further to accommodate differences in age gender socio economic background and type of schooling of children.

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.