Knowledge of traffic laws and drivers behavior on the roads of tripoli city, libya

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the knowledge of traffic rules and laws among a sample of drivers from the city of Tripoli and their behavior with respect to the same. A random sample of 416 drivers was selected from various regions for Tripoli, namely: Tajura, Abo Saleem, City Centre and Janzour and administered a questionnaire that would elicit and record their knowledge and behavior regarding road rules and regulations. The study revealed that traffic accidents are most affected by and positively, statistically correlated with certain key behavioral variables determinants such as: commitment to the speed limit, respect for traffic signals, compliance with seat belt use, use of mobile phones, driving under psychological stress or when sick and eating while driving. The study also found that 56% are no committed to the speed limit, only 41% were seat-belt compliant while driving and 71% of them used mobile phones while driving. Sixty nine percent of drivers opted financial penalty for mobile phone use during driving, this may be an indication that alternate traffic rules penalties may be enforced to deter drivers from repeat offenses. Thereto, a numbers of recommendations were presented for implementation by the relevant authorities. Overall, the study found that Tripoli drivers' knowledge of/on traffic laws and accident-risks didn't affect their behavior on the road. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014.