Abstract

NORZA-CESPEDES, Ervyn H et al. Descriptive and explanatory components of road accident rate in Colombia: Influence of the human factor. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.1, pp.157-187. ISSN 1794-3108.

Problem: The influence of the human factor on accident rates in the Colombian territory was analyzed, and empirical evidence was identified for the formulation of public traffic policy. Methodology: The design is descriptive-correlational. Instruments: A behavior questionnaire (the D.B.Q.) for car drivers and motorcyclists, and a Likert-type survey. An intentional non-probabilistic sample: 16,322 individuals (8,631 vehicle drivers, 5,133 motorcyclists and 2,558 pedestrians, passengers, and accompanying persons). Results: a) drivers with a higher educational level have a lower impact on the accident rate; b) pedestrians with a lower educational level exhibit more risky behaviors: c) women have a positive attitude and perceive the effectiveness of prevention campaigns; d) angry, anxious, risky and high-speed driving result in more traffic offenses and accidents; e) disobeying traffic signs is the main cause of accidents; f) aggressiveness, hostility and stress are factors tending to increase the likelihood of traffic accidents; g) prevention campaigns are not being heard by the more affected population. Conclusions and recommendations: The accident rate factors correspond to the Road Safety Triangle established by the UNO -human factor prominent in accident levels-. Public policy guidelines based on educational and corporative processes leading to reduce the accident rate.

Keywords : Crimes against traffic safety; traffic violations; traffic; traffic accident/road crash.

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