Assessment of primary school learners' pedestrian behaviour using the theory of planned pehaviour : a cohort study

Abstract

The article presents findings from a research project funded by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd, focusing on primary school learners aged ten to fourteen. According to Schwebel and McClure (2014), pedestrian injuries significantly increase child morbidity and mortality rates. Younger road users are far more vulnerable and have the highest risk of death and injury, with an estimated four times greater risk of collisions compared with adult road users. Pedestrian safety is, therefore, a growing community concern. The cohort study used a mixed method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative instruments. The instruments were conceptualised to determine which factors influence the pedestrian behavioural choices of primary school learners in selected schools across South Africa. The study tracked the learners over a three-year period to determine the influence of the learning on their pedestrian behaviour as they progressed with their education from Grade 4 to Grade 6. Using the theory of planned behaviour, the research further aims to identify what specific indicators could be identified in determining pedestrian behaviour while also attempting to generate a more holistic understanding of a complex phenomenon, which in this case is road safety behaviour.