PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN DHAKA MEGA CITY OF BANGLADESH: BEHAVIOR, ATTITUDE AND RISK PERCEPTION

ABSTRACT: Pedestrians are always the most vulnerable road victim in terms of crash involvement and injuries. In low motorized developing countries like Bangladesh, this problem is disproportionately higher, particularly in urban setting. Pedestrian itself accounting for nearly 50 percent of road fatalities in Bangladesh. In urban areas, it is varied between 60 and 74 percent. Therefore, there is a need to develop a pragmatic strategy to arrest this problem with proper understanding of their behaviour, attitude, and perception. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess pedestrian safety in problem in Dhaka city. Main objective of this study is to evaluate the risk perception, attitude, and behaviour of the pedestrian. A comprehensive questionnaire survey enabled the collection of pedestrian behavior, attitude, and risk perception data, which included different categories of users. It is found that most of the responders perceived crossing through running vehicle is unsafe (86.66%) and this perception reflect on their attitudes (crossing unacceptable, 79.33%). But when it comes to the behavior, only 32% reply that they never cross through running vehicle. In case of using mobile phone or taking while crossing, imitate almost same patter between perception, attitude, and behavior. Around 90% feels it is unsafe, same percent disagree to cross the road while using mobile and earphone but only 66% practice this. Regarding the use of footpath or zebra crossing for walking and crossing, majority perceived it is safe (75% and 67.66% respectively). Their attitude is even stronger on this issue. More than 75% disagreed that they can avoid footpath if it is available at least in on side. In case of using designated crossing facilities including foot-over bridge or underpass the percentage goes to 90%. However, only 29.33% responses that they always use footpath for walking. On the other hand, around 48% cross outside crosswalk or avoid foot overbridge or underpass even it is nearby. From this analysis it is evident that perception and attitude is closely related and most of the cases that is very positive. However, there is huge gap between perception, attitude, and behaviour. Many respondents have proven their accurate feelings, right understanding or believe, but their behaviour represents differently. The paper elaborates these two confronting issues with the evidence and conclude with potential implications of these understanding for improving pedestrian safety and future research directions