Abstract:
The annual incidence of pedestrian casualties on South African roads is
approximately 34 000. This includes 4 000 deaths, 10 000 serious injuries and
20 000 minor injuries, costing the country an estimated R2,55 billion. A large number
of injuries involve children and this is distressing but preventing this is a challenge.
Statistics indicate that pedestrians are most at risk. School children have been
identified as forming a considerable percentage of pedestrians. Consequently it is
important to understand factors that influence children's travel patterns as an initial
step toward reducing the accident rate. This study examines children's travel patterns
at primary and secondary schools in the eThekwini area.
In the absence of statistics regarding journeys to transport children to school, a
questionnaire survey was designed to determine demographics, mode of travel to
school, travel cost and duration, factors influencing choices of alternate modes of
travel and problems experienced during school travel in terms of road safety. In
addition, an on-site investigation was undertaken to assess the relevant engineering
aspects including geometric design, traffic calming, signage and other traffic
management aspects.
This study focuses on scholar transport and discusses the findings of pilot and focal
surveys.
On analyzing the data, various problems were identified, namely: the road
environment favours drivers over pedestrians, an absence of a formal travel plan,
poor driver behaviour and an absence of dedicated school buses. A range of
possible solutions is recommended. The recommendations focus on the Engineering,
Enforcement and Evaluation aspects.
Description:
Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Magister Technologiae: Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying,
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, 2009.
