Social reasons for young pedestrian’s risky road crossing behaviors: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background & Aim: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. In many cases, pedestrian-vehicle crashes are often the result of their risky road crossing behaviors. So, this qualitative study aimed to explore the reasons for risky road crossing behaviors among young people. Methods & Materials: The current study was designed as a qualitative content analysis. Twelve males and females who had a car-accident were purposefully selected with maximum variation sampling. Data were collected and analyzed by semi-structured individual interviews. Results: Conformity with the masses including “conformity with peers and conformity with the public space of society”, and anomie emerged as the most important social reasons for young pedestrian’s risky road crossing behaviors. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, young pedestrian’s risky road crossing behaviors are affected by conformity with the masses and peers and as well as anomie so that risky behaviors have been commonplace and inevitable and a part of their lifestyle.

Keywords

• pedestrian
• risky road-crossing behaviors
• young people
• qualitative study