Unsafe driving behavior in the presence of hawkers’ encroachment on urban roads

In developing countries, roadside hawkers can distract drivers and motorcyclists, increasing the risk of crashes. This study assesses drivers’ and motorcyclists’ intentions to stop or change lanes when encountering hawkers. To achieve this, an extended theory of planned behavior framework is employed, incorporating perceived crash risk, past experiences with hawkers on urban roads, and empathic concern alongside traditional variables of the theory of planned behavior. A questionnaire survey was conducted among drivers and motorcyclists in Lahore, Pakistan, collecting 1603 valid responses. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. Results indicate that respondents, having positive attitudes of safety towards engaging with hawkers, and those with past experience of such behavior have higher intentions to perform unsafe behaviors, i.e., decelerate/stop or overtake/change lanes to look and respond to hawkers on the roadside, or to observe people buying goods from the roadside hawkers. The findings highlight the need for incorporating driver education on roadside distractions into licensing programs, alongside policy enforcement and public awareness campaigns, while also promoting urban planning interventions such as designated areas for street vendors to enhance road safety and support their livelihoods.