Barriers in Enforcement of Traffic Regulations and Risk-Taking Behaviour: A Study of Public Service Vehicle Drivers

Abstract

The current study explores certain barriers that impede enforcement of traffic regulations. The study analysed risk-taking behaviour of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers working on intercity routes leading to and from Lahore. With qualitative methodology, the data were collected from stakeholders such as PSV drivers, Passengers, traffic personnel, representatives from travel companies, representatives from the organizations related to implementation of traffic regulations and those from rescue services. The data were collected through IDIs and FGDs with the stakeholders. The study pointed out that PSV drivers exhibited responsibility where they experienced enforcement of traffic regulation. Poor enforcement of traffic regulations, poor coordination among line departments, patronage of influential figures, and fatalistic attitude of PSV drivers contributed to the occurrence of RTCs. The study recommends that better use of technology, collaborative safety approach, establishment of integrated forum for the enforcement of traffic regulations, may reduce the occurrence of RTCs.