Gendered Perspective on Road Crossing Behaviours: A Study of University of Cape Coast Students

Abstract

Globally, studies have provided significant facts about pedestrian demographic characteristics influencing road crossing behaviour of pedestrians. However, there seems to be an unconcluded argument about the influence of demographic characteristics on road crossing behaviour. This study aimed at examine the gender differences in road crossing behaviour of UCC students on campus. The study was done by mapping out the road conditions of pedestrian crossing sites, identifing the perceived gender prone to indulge in bad road crossing behaviour and examine the gendered perception towards drivers’ attitude on road crossing behaviour on campus. An observation checklist was used to observe the road crossing behaviour of both men and women while one Focused Group Discusions was conducted each for men and women groups on UCC campus. Results indicated that men were more prone to road crossing accidents than women. Further analysis showed differing drivers attitudes towards pedestrians and road crossing behaviours by men and women on campus. It was found that women were relatively treated better than men. It is recommended that all road users must be educated to be sensitive to all road users to reduce gender biass attitude and behaviours while using the road.