Journal of Safety Research最新文献

{"title":"Characteristics of media-reported road traffic crashes involving professional delivery e-bike riders versus other e-bike riders in China","authors":"Na Zhang ,&nbsp;Peixia Cheng ,&nbsp;David C. Schwebel ,&nbsp;Wangxin Xiao ,&nbsp;Li Li ,&nbsp;Lei Yang ,&nbsp;Min Zhao ,&nbsp;Shuying Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhenzhen Rao ,&nbsp;Peishan Ning ,&nbsp;Guoqing Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction:</em> With the rapid expansion of food delivery services, crashes involving professional delivery e-bike riders have emerged as a critical traffic safety issue in China. However, limited research has systematically examined the epidemiological characteristics of such crashes. <em>Methods:</em> We analyzed media-reported crashes from 2009-2023 collected in the Automated Road Traffic Crash Data Platform (ARTCDP), which uses natural language processing (NLP) and BERT algorithms to extract data from publicly-available media reports. Differences in crash characteristics, geographic distribution, and contributing factors were compared between professional delivery and other e-bike riders. <em>Results:</em> A total of 4,417 professional delivery e-bike rider crashes and 17,025 other e-bike rider crashes were included. Pedestrians were the most common collision object (37%). Delivery riders were less likely to collide with motor vehicles (29% vs. 42%) and more likely to hit non-motorized vehicles (22% vs. 12%) and infrastructure (12% vs. 9%) than non-delivery riders. Intersections were the top crash site, but crashes involving delivery riders occurred more often at pedestrian crossings (21%) and bus stops (11%). The crashes demonstrated inconsistent geographic distributions. About 40% of all crashes had two or more contributing factors. Compared with crashes among other e-bike riders, those involving professional delivery e-bike riders had a higher proportion of distracted riding (27% vs. 17%), speeding (18% vs. 12%), riding in the opposite lane (15% vs. 6%), and illegal parking (12% vs. 4%). Malfunctioning tires, a lack of a barrier between opposite lanes, and impeded view by obstacles also occurred more frequently in crashes involving professional delivery e-bike riders than those involving other e-bike riders (40% vs. 20%, 35% vs. 22%, and 35% vs. 18%, respectively). <em>Conclusions:</em> Crashes involving professional delivery e-bike riders in China show distinct patterns linked to occupational exposure, underscoring the need for targeted, multifaceted road safety interventions. <em>Practical Applications:</em> Findings support tailored interventions for delivery riders, including vehicle checks, rider training, and infrastructure improvements near pedestrian crossings and bus stops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 55-63"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling speed limit compliance in shared spaces","authors":"Amrit Ghimire ,&nbsp;Stewart A. Birrell ,&nbsp;William Payre ,&nbsp;Ashim K. Debnath","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.12.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction</em>: While shared spaces (also known as shared zones) encourage interaction among road users, non-compliance with posted speed limits is a key safety concern. Most research concerning drivers’ speeding behavior in shared spaces has predominantly centered on descriptive analyses and statistical testing, neglecting to account for the effects of shared space features, vehicle types, and traffic characteristics on speeds. As a result, there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding how the attributes of shared zones, surrounding traffic, and vehicle platoons impact driver speeds. <em>Method:</em> Speed data from two shared spaces in Australia were analyzed using left-censored Tobit regression models (non-compliant: continuous, compliant: zero) to assess drivers’ compliance with posted speed limits. <em>Results</em><strong>:</strong> Results showed that the magnitude and probability of speeding were significantly reduced by the number of conflicts involving the vehicle and the provision of parking spaces in shared spaces. Conversely, vehicles such as cars, two-wheelers, and those with surrounding vehicles speeding exhibited lower compliance probabilities, while heavy vehicles and those following them showed higher likelihoods of compliance. However, the time of day or day of week had no significant influence on drivers’ speeding behavior, indicating consistent traffic interactions and compliance behaviors throughout the week. <em>Conclusions:</em> This study identifies key factors influencing speeding behavior in shared spaces and provides insights for identifying countermeasures and promoting safer interactions. <em>Practical applications:</em> The findings can help urban planners and policymakers set appropriate speed limits, develop better shared space designs, and enhance safety for all users, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 204-213"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing impacts of traffic signal countdown timers on safety and efficiency at signalized intersections","authors":"Vadhul Krishnan Veerakumar,&nbsp;Chris Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction:</em> Traffic Signal Countdown Timer (TSCT) displays the remaining times of green, yellow, and red intervals at a traffic signal. While TSCT has widely been implemented in various countries, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively assess the effects of TSCT on traffic safety and efficiency using a simulation based on understanding of changes in driver behavior in different signal phases in the presence of TSCT. <em>Methods:</em> This study investigates the impacts of TSCT on traffic safety and efficiency at signalized intersections with high truck volume along the Huron Church Road in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Driver behavior and traffic flow were simulated using PTV Vissim for the four scenarios − no-timer, Green Signal Countdown Timer (GSCT), Red Signal Countdown Timer (RSCT), and a combination of GSCT and RSCT (GSCT + RSCT). Based on the observational data from previous field studies, changes in driver behaviors in the presence of TSCT were replicated by dynamically adjusting the simulation parameters in different signal phases using Vissim-COM interface. <em>Results:</em> The Crash Potential Index (CPI) decreased by 37% while the speed of the road network increased by 6% in the GSCT + RSCT scenario compared to the no-timer scenario. The RSCT reduced the CPI more than the GSCT but did not significantly improve the traffic efficiency. The increase in speed near the intersection during the green phase was observed in the GSCT scenario, whereas smoother deceleration rate of approach vehicles during the red phase was observed in the RSCT scenario. Due to these changes, the average number of vehicles entering the intersection during the green phase in each cycle increased in the GSCT + RSCT scenario. Moreover, the TSCT helped cars avoid rear-end conflicts and increased truck speed. <em>Practical Applications:</em> Both GSCT and RSCT can be implemented to improve traffic safety and efficiency at signalized intersections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 229-238"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating driver preferences between punitive and non-punitive speeding penalties: Results from a stated choice experiment","authors":"Athanasios Theofilatos ,&nbsp;Apostolos Ziakopoulos ,&nbsp;Evangelia Stratigi ,&nbsp;Pantelis Kopelias ,&nbsp;Dimitris Potoglou","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction:</em> Speeding remains a major contributory factor to traffic crashes, making the design of effective penalty schemes a critical policy concern. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate driver preferences regarding penalties for speeding violations in Greece: (Option A) immediate fines with off-road short detention (administrative process); (Option B) attendance of compulsory road safety seminars; and (Option C) judicial processes with possible dispute of fines in court. <em>Method:</em> Data were collected via a Stated Choice (SC) survey conducted during June and July 2023 in Greece, involving 161 participants resulting in 805 choice situations, and were analyzed by utilizing a random parameter multinomial logit model to capture unobserved heterogeneity among drivers. <em>Results:</em> Results showed that only 4.6% of respondents preferred the judicial process, indicating a strong deterrent effect of potential trial and associated costs. For Option A, statistically significant results included the monetary fine and penalty points, as well as the compulsory detention time off-road. For Option B, time and cost of road safety awareness seminars were significant. For the administrative process (monetary fine), the value that respondents were willing to pay to save 1 h of waiting off-road, was significantly higher (from 81.46 to 82.69 euros per hour) when compared to the driving education and awareness seminars (from 0.356 to 1.18 euros per hour), suggesting that drivers show a preference for higher monetary fines rather than being subjected to an off-road delay imposed by the police officer. <em>Conclusion:</em> The findings point towards more effective enforcement strategies while balancing penalty costs and duration of compulsory off-road detention and promoting educational-related non-punitive measures. <em>Practical applications:</em> The study could inform policymakers in designing and integrating a more diverse range of speeding penalties that align with driver preferences, potentially improving compliance, acceptability and better road safety outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 64-73"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examination of driver license renewal policies and older driver crash and injury rates by rurality","authors":"Cara J. Hamann ,&nbsp;Jonathan A. Davis ,&nbsp;Gilsu Pae ,&nbsp;Motao Zhu ,&nbsp;Gregory H. Shill ,&nbsp;Brian Tefft ,&nbsp;Joseph E. Cavanaugh","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2026.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2026.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Background:</em> Among adults aged 65 and older, motor-vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of injury-related death—following falls. State driver license renewal laws commonly have provisions targeting older drivers, but limited evidence exists on their effectiveness in reducing crash and injury rates and how this may vary by rurality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of state driver license renewal policies on older driver crash and injury outcomes, by rurality. <em>Methods:</em> Crash data, license renewal policies, and other relevant state policies were drawn from 13 U.S. states for the years 2000 to 2019. The primary exposures analyzed included the length of the license renewal cycle (in years) and the frequency of in-person renewal. Key outcomes included crash and driver injury rates, stratified by rurality. <em>Results:</em> The study population included 15.6 million crash-involved drivers aged 40 and older. State license renewal laws generally became less restrictive during the study period. Among drivers 75 and older, crash rates in urban areas were higher in states where renewal periods and in-person renewal became less restrictive compared to states with no law change (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14–1.49). Among drivers aged 65 and older, injury rates were elevated in urban areas as renewal laws became less restrictive (RR_65-74 = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.47; RR₇₅₊ = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.57). <em>Discussion:</em> The observed relaxation of driver license renewal policies was correlated with higher crash and injury rates among drivers aged 75 and older in urban areas. Restrictive license renewal policies that rely on age and time cut points should be weighed carefully against possible negative effects from premature license removal. Movement toward a performance-based licensing system and away from arbitrary age and time cut points may more effectively keep unfit drivers off the road, while retaining those who remain fit to drive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 357-362"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mobility assistance preferences and device adoption among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan","authors":"Fang-Lin Kuo ,&nbsp;Chayannan Jaide ,&nbsp;I-Hui Chen ,&nbsp;Fang-Ju Lin ,&nbsp;Yen Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Background and Objectives</em>: Mobility decline is a significant concern among older adults; however, many delay or resist adopting assistive walking devices. Guided by the person–environment–occupation model, this study examined attitudes toward mobility decline and assistive devices. It explored how sociodemographic, personal, and environmental factors influenced preferences and predicted device use over time. <em>Research Design and Methods</em>: A longitudinal observational study was conducted with 203 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older in Taiwan who walked independently at baseline. Participants, recruited from 18 community centers, completed questionnaires on mobility-related attitudes, and underwent gait assessments at baseline and one-year follow-up. Logistic regression models were applied to examine preferences for mobility assistance and the likelihood of device adoption. <em>Results</em>: Participants with fewer socio-financial concerns (Est = −0.57, <em>p</em> = 0.01) and those less skeptical toward walking aids (Est = −0.59, <em>p</em> = 0.02) were more likely to prefer device use. Women showed a lower, though non-significant, likelihood of preferring walking devices (Est = −0.65). Higher IADL scores (Est = −0.79, <em>p</em> = 0.01) and increased use of antihypertensive medication (Est = −2.28, <em>p</em> = 0.04) were significantly associated with a reduced probability of walking device adoption. Attitudinal factors and repeated falls were not significant predictors in the follow-up model. <em>Discussion and Implications:</em> The findings suggest that while attitudes shape preferences, the actual adoption of walking devices is more closely tied to functional decline. Declining IADL and antihypertensive use were linked to higher rates of device adoption, possibly reflecting greater health monitoring needs. Clinicians should regard the use of antihypertensive medications as a potential prompt for mobility screening and counseling, notably where device uptake lags behind physical need.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Considering human factors during firefighter fatality investigations: Insights from public feedback","authors":"Emily J. Haas ,&nbsp;Tashina Robinson ,&nbsp;Wesley R. Attwood ,&nbsp;Stephen J. Ringer ,&nbsp;Emilee T. Austin","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction:</em> The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program investigates firefighter line-of-duty-deaths (LODD) and serious injuries to help prevent incidents. In addition to physical hazards, human factors like situational awareness, mental workload, fatigue, culture, and decision making can be considered to identify and mitigate risks. <em>Method:</em> NIOSH sought public input on assessing human factors during investigations through a Federal Register Notice. Posted in May 2024, 33 responses were received from fire departments, academic institutions, and association representatives across 18 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces. Three researchers and two firefighters examined the comments using thematic qualitative analysis methods to identify human factors considerations during investigations. <em>Results:</em> Comments indicated general support for systematically assessing human factors elements and provided insight into what some of those elements may be. Five overarching themes emerged across the comments: <em>Department Culture, Total Worker Health®, Operational Risk Management &amp; Decision Making, Team Dynamics,</em> and <em>Training and Education.</em> Within these themes, commenters highlighted the importance of considering individual human factors elements such as fatigue, situational awareness, and mental health as well as organizational human factors elements such as leadership commitment and communication, operational risk assessment, and training needs. <em>Conclusions and Practical Applications:</em> Future research may consider ways to empirically and routinely assess human factors during incident investigations and possible tools, frameworks, and training that may be necessary to support these efforts in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"96 ","pages":"Pages 88-98"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing neighborhood sociodemographic disparities of child non-motorists involved in motor- vehicle crashes: A study of inequality","authors":"Huong D. Meeks ,&nbsp;Hilary Hickingbotham ,&nbsp;Lawrence J. Cook","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.10.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.10.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Objectives:</em> This retrospective observational study utilized sociodemographic and neighborhood characteristics of child non-motorists (CNMs) involved in motor-vehicle crashes (MVCs) in Utah (2019–2021), examined neighborhood sociodemographic disparities of the aforementioned CNMs, and explored the differences in CNM incidence between highly vulnerable neighborhoods and other areas. <em>Methods:</em> All children less than 18 years old involved in a pedestrian, cyclist, or nonmotorized scooter/skater versus motor-vehicle crash in Utah from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were included in the study population. Characteristics of CNMs and associated MVCs were reported overall and compared by occupant types. Neighborhood Area Deprivation Index (ADI), Child Opportunity Index (COI), and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) percentile scores and quintiles were compared between CNMs, child vehicle occupants (CVOs), and all Utah children. Annual CNM incidence was compared between highly vulnerable census tracts and other areas. All group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Chi-square tests, with p-values &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. <em>Results</em>: A total of 1,055 MVCs involving 1,115 CNMs were included in the analysis. The majority of MVCs occurred in metropolitan areas, between September and May, on weekdays, and during typical work hours. Children were predominantly male and at least 10 years old. Neighborhoods of child pedestrians ranked higher across all three indices for sociodemographic disparities compared to neighborhoods of child cyclists (p = 0.002 for ADI; p &lt; 0.001 for SVI/COI). A higher proportion of CNMs resided in the most deprived neighborhoods compared to CVOs and general children population. Higher CNM incidence was observed in tracts with greater vulnerability and lower opportunity levels. <em>Conclusions</em>: Significant differences in neighborhood sociodemographic disparities were observed across occupant types and between CNMs, CVOs, and all Utah children. This study underscores the need for multifaceted approaches to improve the safety of CNMs in Utah.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"95 ","pages":"Pages 265-272"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From silos to synergies: A scoping review for bridging gaps in occupational health psychology and human neuroscience","authors":"Jin Lee ,&nbsp;Jesica Luna ,&nbsp;Matthew Wisniewski","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.09.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.09.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Introduction</em>: This study examines the neurocognitive foundations of work-related factors and their role in advancing occupational health psychology (OHP). It bridges gaps between neuroscience and OHP, exploring fields like health neuroscience and neuro-safety science, along with advancements in neurocognitive assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. <em>Method</em>: A review of 96 studies and structural topic modeling proposes a framework integrating psychological theories with neurobiological insights to better understand workplace behaviors and neural mechanisms. <em>Results</em>: Key cognitive domains—attention, memory, executive functioning, and reaction time—are linked to safety–critical behaviors and decision-making. Using EEG and fMRI, the study introduces objective neural measures to complement self-reports, showing how stress and cognitive load affect performance. <em>Conclusions and Practical Applications</em>: Findings advance OHP theories, identifying neural markers of stress and human errors to guide interventions like neurofeedback and resilience programs. Innovations in neurocognitive assessment strengthen evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being, reduce risks, and improve organizational effectiveness, establishing a neuroscience-informed framework for workplace safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"95 ","pages":"Pages 56-66"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145060268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On the road to school: A naturalistic study of adolescent bicyclist route safety","authors":"Amir Ghanbari ,&nbsp;Steven Spears ,&nbsp;Beyza Cikmaz ,&nbsp;Joseph Cavanaugh ,&nbsp;Cara Hamann","doi":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsr.2025.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Background:</em> The rate of active transportation to school has significantly declined in recent decades. Safety concerns are a primary factor contributing to this decrease. This study aims to identify factors that impact the safety of students’ bicycling chosen route including environmental features, social factors, as well as student and parent characteristics. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of navigational applications such as Google Maps and Komoot in recommending safe cycling routes. <em>Method:</em> The study sample included 32 adolescents (10–15 years old) and one parent/guardian for each of the adolescents. The dataset consisted of GPS and video data recorded by helmet cameras during students’ bicycle trips to school. Furthermore, baseline surveys provided demographic information and bicycling habits from both adolescents and parents. To compare different routes, a safety score was calculated, derived from environmental factors, traffic conditions, and geometric features. Linear Mixed Models (LMM) were used to examine the relationship between potential predictors including adolescents and parents’ demographics and environmental characteristics and the safety score assigned to each route. <em>Results:</em> Younger students and those living in a more bike-friendly neighborhood chose safer routes to school. Participants rode on sidewalks more often when taking routes with lower safety scores, most likely to avoid traffic. Additionally, routes suggested by Komoot and the actual routes taken by students were safer than those suggested by Google Maps bike routing. <em>Conclusion:</em> The study’s findings emphasized the significance of bike infrastructure in improving the safety of young bicyclists and increasing the rate of active transportation to school. It also highlights the critical role of safety interventions and parents guiding their children in safe bicycling behaviors, as well as children learning and applying safe route selection skills. <em>Practical Application:</em> Enhancing bike infrastructure and refining navigational apps to prioritize safer routes can improve student cycling safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Safety Research","volume":"95 ","pages":"Pages 1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144902841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}