Criminology Students' Knowledge on Traffic Signs
Criminology Students' Knowledge on Traffic Signs
A Thesis Proposal
Presented to
the Faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premier University in Zamboanga del Norte
Main Campus, Dapitan City
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
JOVINA C. DIMACALE
LYKA TRACE B. TEJANO
CAMILO OSIAS V. BEBIRO
May 2023
ii
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that Jovina Dimacale, Lyka Trace Tejano, and Camilo Osias
Bebiro successfully passed the Research Proposal Defend entitled THE LEVEL OF
Criminal Justice Education, this Proposal entitled THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND
MAIN ON ROAD MARKINGS AND TRAFFIC SIGNS has been prepared and submitted
by Jovina Dimacale, Lyka Trace Tejano, and Camilo Osias Bebiro is hereby recommended
APPROVAL SHEET
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
PANEL OF EXAMINERS
Accepted and approved by the Associate Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education
in partial fulfilment for the degree Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Education.
Chapter 1
Introduction
Road markings and traffic signs are silent speakers to the road users. They inform
motorists on what to do, what to watch out for and where to drive (Colin & Partners, 2009
as cited by Ajakpovi & Happy, 2019). Road markings and traffic signs are needed to
implement road safety. This is essential to make sure that drivers have the information they
require to obey traffic regulations and effectively on the roads. This serves as a guide that
all users of the road have to comply with. These marks and signs on the road warn motorists
of dangers that are not always noticeable (Tinio et al., 2022). Ajakpovi and Happy (2019)
stated that road markings and traffic signs are used to instruct road users and protect their
safety on the roads, just like any other cities across the world. Road markings also indicate
lane divides and lane discipline, as well as stop lines and pedestrian crossings. The majority
of road signs warn cars and other road users about dangerous road conditions such as a
sharp bend ahead, a failed or narrow bridge, and so on. Abd Rahman et al. (2021) stated
According to WHO (2018), Road safety remains a significant global concern, with
sustaining injuries from road accidents annually. The Metro Manila Accident Reporting
and Analysis System (MMARAS) found that there were 63,072 incidents in 2007, which
nearly doubled to 110,025 in 2017. Sy (2017) emphasized that based on the data from the
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identified transport incidents nationwide. The number of vehicular accidents has been
increasing to 116,906 in 2018. According to the most recent data on WHO (2018), road
traffic accidents killed 10,624 people in the Philippines in 2018, accounting for 1.74% of
Moreover, in the region IX, traffic and road accidents are the main issues besetting
the region. According to the City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazaduring, that road and traffic
accidents topped the list of problems in the Western Mindanao region (Alipala, 2019).
Based on the report provided by Chief Supt. Emmanuel Licup, the regional director of the
Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9), from January to September 2018, 3,852 traffic accidents
have been recorded. In 2017, Licup said the figures were higher at 4,573 cases, but this is
still high considering the number of traffic incidents recorded every day (Alipala, 2019).
Every year, there have been many road accident reports in the Police station of
Dapitan City. Mostly and among those in the reports are young drivers. According to the
report from year 2018-2019 road accidents are very common during this year with 827
report cases and the most common reason is that mostly young drivers know the road
markings and traffic signs, they tends to not comply and would just ignore the road
markings and traffic signs which resulted to road accidents (Zanortepolicereport, 2019).
From year 2018- 2023, road accidents have never been prevented and still the numbers are
still high with 3,586 report cases. Recently, this year 2023, a road accident transcribed at
front of Gloria Dapitan Fantasyland and Leisure Park which apparently is a College student
in Jose Rizal Memorial State University. Road accidents in Dapitan City is still a problem
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and if no solutions made there would still be more reports in the future, which the
Based on the above mentioned data, the researchers will conduct this study in order
to determine whether the student motorists in Dapitan City are knowledgeable and if they
would comply with road markings and traffic signs. The knowledge and the level of
compliance among student motorists on Road markings and traffic signs are the factors
that the researchers will be focusing on in relation to road safety. The researchers will give
recommendations and take into consideration the possible addresses that will help in the
prevention of road accidents, ensure the safety on the road, and instill in the minds of not
just the criminology students in Jose Rizal Memorial State University, but to all drivers on
the roads as well at the end of this study. This study will serve as an eye-opener for student
motorists and other road users on the importance of being knowledgeable and being
Theoretical Background
Festinger (1957) as cited by Fathizadeh et al. (2022) and supported by the Theory of
Planned Behavior (TPB) of Ajzen, (1991) as cited by Bosnjak et al. (2020) and The Social
people hold conflicting attitudes or beliefs or when they realize they have behaved in a
manner that is inconsistent with their attitudes. Festinger argues that individuals strive for
cognitive consistency (e.g., consistency between their attitudes and behaviours) and, as a
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result, they are motivated to reduce any feelings of cognitive dissonance in order to
theory proposes that people must change either their attitudes or behaviour, thereby
achieving a consistency between their cognitions and actions. Interventions that engender
cognitive dissonance can therefore, in theory, be used to alter either attitudes or behavior
Fathizadeh et al. (2022) is also applied in this study, and suggests that when people
them to reduce the dissonance. In relation to this, CDT can explain why students may have
knowledge about road markings and traffic signs but still fail to comply with them. For
example, if a student knows that they should stop at a stop sign but they are in a hurry, they
may experience cognitive dissonance and decide to violate the law to reduce their
discomfort. The Cognitive Dissonance Theory also holds that behaviors which are
incongruent with individuals’ cognitions cause them tension and unpleasant feelings and
hence, they attempt to avoid such behaviors in order to prevent such feelings and modify
their behaviors to have pleasant feelings (Cooper, 2011 & McCartan, Elliott, 2018).
In relation to this study, cognitive dissonance theory can be used to explain why
some students may not comply with road markings and traffic signs even if they have
knowledge of them. For example, a student who has learned about the importance of
following traffic signs and markings may still choose to overtake on solid yellow line
markings the road at an unsafe location if it is more convenient. This creates a conflict
This study also employed the Theory of Planned Behavior of Ajzen (1991) as cited
by Bosnjak et al. (2020), explains that human behavior is influenced by three types of
beliefs: beliefs about the consequences of the behavior (behavioral beliefs), beliefs about
what others expect (normative beliefs), and beliefs about factors that may affect the
behavior (control beliefs). When combined, these beliefs result in an attitude toward the
behavior, a perceived social norm, and a sense of control or self-efficacy. The strength of
a person's intention to perform the behavior is influenced by their attitude, perceived norm,
and perceived control. Assuming a person has actual control over the behavior, their
intention is expected to lead to the behavior. Perceived control can also be used as an
developed in 1980 as the Theory of Reasoned Action. LaMorte (2022) further discussed
that the TPB is designed to help predict and explain an individual's intentions to engage in
a specific behavior at a specific time and place. The TPB distinguishes between three types
of beliefs: behavioral, normative, and control. The theory is comprised of six constructs
that collectively represent an individual's actual control over the behavior. These constructs
are Attitudes, Behavioral Intention, Subjective Norms, Social Norms, Perceived Power,
unfavorable evaluation of the behavior in question. For example, students who believe that
following road markings and traffic signs is important for their safety are more likely to
comply with them. Behavioral intention refers to the motivational factors that influence a
given behavior, where the stronger the intention to perform the behavior, the more likely
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the behavior will be performed. Subjective norms relate to an individual's beliefs about
whether peers and people of importance to them think they should engage in the behavior.
For example, students who believe that their friends and family support following road
markings and traffic signs are more likely to comply with them (LaMorte, 2022).
On top of that, Social norms refer to the customary codes of behavior in a group or
larger cultural context. Perceived power refers to the perceived presence of factors that
perceived behavioral control over each of those factors. Lastly, perceived behavioral
behavior of interest. This construct was added later and created the shift from the Theory
of Reasoned Action to the Theory of Planned Behavior. For example, students who believe
that they have the skills and knowledge to follow road markings and traffic signs are more
In line with the study, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) of Ajzen (1991) as
cited by Bosnjak et al. (2020) is one of the most widely used psychological models when
it comes to explaining road safety behaviors. TPB suggests that attitudes, subjective norms,
and perceived behavioral control all play a role in shaping an individual's intentions and
behavior towards compliance with road markings and traffic signs, regardless of their level
of knowledge. In the case of compliance with road markings and traffic signs, knowledge
and signs. An individual who knows that a solid white line indicates a lane boundary and
that they should not cross it while driving has a higher level of knowledge regarding road
markings.
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compliance with road markings and traffic signs are influenced by their attitudes,
subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Even though individuals may have a
high level of knowledge regarding the meaning of a stop sign, but if they feel that stopping
at the sign is inconvenient or unnecessary, they may not comply with it (Ledesma et al.
2018).
The TPB is a useful tool for predicting and explaining an individual's intentions to
constructs, researchers can help student motorists to make better choices and ultimately
lead healthier lives and prevent road accidents and increase road safety. Therefore, to
promote compliance with road markings and traffic signs, interventions should focus on
increasing knowledge. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns
that emphasize the importance of compliance with road markings and traffic signs, as well
as interventions that promote positive attitudes towards the safety of the roads and provide
This study will also be employing the Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura (1986)
as cited by Ucheobi et al. (2020). Albert Bandura, a Stanford psychologist, developed the
Social Cognitive Theory, which had its roots in the 1960s with the Bobo doll studies. Later,
in 1977, it was called the Social Learning Theory, before it was renamed to its present
name in 1986 (Bandura, 2001; 2004, as cited by Ucheobi et al., 2020). The theory proposes
that there are three key factors that determine whether someone will adopt a behavioral
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given behavior change, individuals must have a sense of self-efficacy that they can perform
the desired behavior change, even in the face of various circumstances or barriers that may
make the change difficult to adopt and implement. People need to believe that they can
exercise some control over their behavior, or they will lack the motivation to act or
persevere in the face of challenges (Bandura, 1986, 1997, 2002, as cited by Ucheobi, et al.,
2020).
In other words, a sense of self-efficacy is crucial for behavior change. The Social
Cognitive Theory emphasizes the role of observational learning, which allows individuals
to learn from others by observing and imitating their behavior. The theory also recognizes
the impact of external factors, such as social norms, on individual behavior. Overall, the
Social Cognitive Theory provides a useful framework for understanding how individuals
learn, adopt, and modify their behaviors, and how these behaviors are influenced by both
learning theory, which posits that people acquire new behaviors by responding to stimuli
in their surroundings that either provide a reward or a punishment. The outcome of the
behavior determines whether it will be repeated or discontinued, and this leads to the
process of learning (Baran & Davis, 2010). Each experience results in learning that is
the environment. For example, if the outcome of a behavior was punishment, such as hitting
another car while using a phone on the steering wheel, the individual is likely to avoid
repeating the same action or become more cautious when the phone rings again. According
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to Bandura (1994 as cited by Ucheobi et al., 2020), social cognitive theory explains
affected by the outcomes that people expect their actions to produce. These expected
outcomes include physical effects, social costs and benefits, and positive and negative self-
evaluative reactions to one’s behavior. Personal goals, rooted in a value system, provide
further self-incentives and guides for habits. Personal behavior change would be easy if
there were no impediments to surmount. The facilitators and obstacles that people perceive
Bandura's social cognitive theory (1986) as cited by Ucheobi et al. (2020) is a useful
tool for promoting behavior change to improve their knowledge and compliance on the
drivers on road safety and influence their behavior. Communication, in whatever form,
Repeated contact with drivers can enhance their self-efficacy, making them more confident
Overall, these three theories can help explain the factors that influence student
motorists' knowledge and compliance with road markings and traffic signs. The Theory of
Planned Behavior can help understand the role of attitudes, subjective norms, and
perceived behavioral control, while Social Learning Theory can help explain the influence
of other road users in shaping their behavior in following and complying with road
markings and traffic signs. Finally, Cognitive Dissonance Theory can help explain why
knowledge alone may not always translate into compliance with traffic laws.
Conceptual Framework
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In this study, the researchers will take into consideration the respondents’ level of
knowledge and compliance on road markings and traffic in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del
Norte. The study "The Level of Knowledge and Compliance among Criminology Student
Motorists of Jrmsu-Main on Road Markings and Traffic Signs" outlines the underlying
information, and skills that are acquired through education, experience, or research. It
involves the ability to comprehend and use information to make informed decisions, solve
problems, and develop new ideas or concepts. The Librarianship studies Information
practical familiarity with a subject matter and may be implicit (e.g., practical expertise) or
explicit (e.g., theoretical knowledge). It can be structured or unstructured, and it can range
from casual to formal. In this study, knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness
of road markings and traffic signs, including their meanings, functions, and significance in
On the other hand, Compliance refers to the act of conforming to a rule, standard,
regulations to ensure that one's actions are in accordance with the expectations of the
which drivers adhere to traffic rules and regulations, including road markings and traffic
signs.
Ten Commandments refers to the rules and guidelines on the roads which are basic
knowledge for drivers which should be followed. These are; Keeping right while driving,
Yielding to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, vehicles with right of way, traffic with
momentum and traffic signs, Parking near the intersection, pedestrian lanes, fire stations,
fire hydrant, and private driveways, Overtaking even when there is upcoming traffic,
Parking or passing on a bus stop, Giving way to intersections during traffic and avoiding
overtaking/counter flowing, Driving on the shoulder in the main highway and even when
it is your vehicles coding, Giving way to vehicles that come first on rotundas or
intersections in the absence of traffic signal lights, Giving way to pedestrians and yield on
a bus stop and jitney stop, Giving way to pedestrians and yield on a bus stop and jitney
including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Road markings organize and control traffic,
establish lane discipline, enhance safety. By contributing to the overall organization, safety,
and efficiency of road networks, road markings work in tandem with traffic signs and
signals to create a comprehensive system of guidance for road users. Road markings
include; Solid white shoulder line, Diagonal white lines, Broken white center line or lane
divider, Solid white center line, Solid white double center line, Solid yellow double center
line, Mixed center line/solid yellow with broken yellow or white line, Solid white lane
divider, Directional arrows, Broken blue lane divider, Solid yellow lane divider, Broken
yellow lane divider, Mixed double lane divider/solid yellow with broken yellow or white
12
line, Rumble strips, Solid white horizontal line, Zebra crossing, and Yellow box (Tamayo,
2016).
Traffic signs serve a variety of purposes with the aim of ensuring safe and efficient
traffic flow while communicating essential information to road users. These purposes
include traffic regulation and control, safety and accident prevention, guidance and
Traffic signs play a vital role in regulating movement, warning of hazards, providing
consistency in design and symbols. By fulfilling these purposes, traffic signs contribute to
a safer, more organized, and efficient transportation system in the Philippines, ensuring the
well-being of both drivers and pedestrians while promoting compliance with traffic laws
and regulations. These traffic signs include; regulatory, warning, priority, direction,
intersection, road width, road obstacle, pedestrian, road work, and guide signs (Fernandez,
2020).
This study will also measure and assess the level of knowledge and compliance
among student motorists on road markings and traffic. Students are a significant population
vehicles to travel on the roads or on busy highways. By measuring and assessing the level
of knowledge and compliance among student motorists, the study will aim to identify
strategies, interventions and possible solutions and addresses to help prevent road accidents
and in order to improve their knowledge and compliance to road markings and traffic signs
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and reduce and even prevent the incidence of road accidents among the student motorists
Level of Ten
Commandments
Knowledge and of Traffic
Compliance among
Road Markings
Criminology
Student Motorists
Traffic signs
The purpose of this study is to measure and assess the level of knowledge and
compliance among criminology student motorists on road markings and traffic signs in
Dapitan City.
1.1 Age
1.2 Sex
2. What is the perceived level of knowledge on the criminology student motorists in terms
of;
3. What is the level of compliance among criminology student motorists in terms of:
Student Motorists. The study will help student motorists to become more aware
of the importance of road markings and traffic signs and their role in preventing road
accidents and promote the increase of road safety. It will also help them understand the
Philippine National Police. This study will help the PNP in implementing policies
and addresses in order to help in the prevention of road accidents and ensure road safety
among student motorists and other road users. The PNP can use the recommendations of
the study to develop and implement policies that promote road safety. The policies will be
aimed at increasing compliance with road markings and traffic signs and reducing the
number of accidents and violations on the roads, carry out targeted enforcement, and
collaborate with other agencies, the PNP can work towards creating safer roads for
everyone.
Traffic Enforcer. This study will provide valuable insights for Traffic Enforcers
in improving their enforcement strategies, education and training programs, road safety
Highway Patrol Group. The highway patrol group will be recommended by the
result of the study on road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic laws and regulations
on major highways and expressways across the Philippines. This will also help in
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conducting traffic management and control, conducting road safety campaigns and
Future Researchers. The future researchers will be able to use this study as
reference to gather relevant information that will guide them for the future contribution and
development of more effective road safety training and programs and improving road
safety education, reducing the number of accidents on the road and promote road safety
The study will seek to determine the level of knowledge and compliance among
Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte. The study will be conducted on academic year 2023-
2024. The study will focus on criminology student motorists who are college students from
first year to fourth year, who uses and rides a motorcycle for transportation and are
currently enrolled in Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dapitan City. This study will
make use of the standardized questionnaire from the study of Aydinan (2020), through
Survey.
The following terms are defined for better clarity and proper understanding of the
study.
knowledgeable about road markings and traffic signs, and their ability to recognize and
Level of Compliance. Refers to the extent to which student motorists follow the
rules and regulations of the road, particularly those related to road markings and traffic
signs.
Road Markings. Refers to the lines, symbols, and patterns painted on the road
surface to indicate traffic lanes, pedestrian crossings, and other information relevant to
drivers such as solid yellow line, broken yellow line, center line and other road markings
that are used as a guide to road users and give advance warning to ensure the safety of the
Road Safety. Refers to the measures and practices that are put in place to reduce
the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on roads. This includes adherence to traffic
rules and regulations, and the knowledge and compliance with road markings and traffic
intersection, road width, road obstacle, pedestrian, road work, and guide signs placed on
the side of the road to provide information to drivers about road safety.
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Chapter 2
Level of Knowledge of Student Motorists about Road Markings and Traffic Signs
Traffic road signs fall into these three common categories: regulatory, warning, and
directional signs (Horberry et al., 2004 as cited by Akple et al., 2020). Regulatory signs
provide directives or requirements that road users are obligated to obey. Regulatory signs
are very common and are used to tell drivers what they can and cannot do (Zutobi, 2022).
A warning sign is a sign that serves to warn drivers of potential hazards, obstacles, or
dangerous conditions that require special attention. These signs are used to notify drivers
of unexpected situations that may not be immediately apparent, such as curves, detours, or
side roads, and call for a reduction of speed or other actions to ensure safe and efficient
traffic operations. In particular, they help to alert drivers to potential dangers on the road
that may not be readily apparent, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving
overall road safety (Ubongeh, 2022). While directional signs provide useful information to
road users. This classification of traffic road signs is crucial in promoting road safety and
ensuring that road users are well-informed about their surroundings (Akple et al., 2020).
According to study of Laughery and Wogalter (2014), effective use of traffic signs
and road markings is reliant on information processing that occurs sequentially, such as
attention, comprehension, attitudes and beliefs, and motivation. The ability to understand
and interpret road signs and markings is particularly crucial in ensuring road safety.
Professionals and engineers in the traffic signage industry have identified comprehension
of road signs and markings as a vital factor in determining the effectiveness of traffic sign
designs. Without proper comprehension, the purpose of traffic signs and markings may not
19
be realized, leading to confusion and potentially hazardous situations on the road. The
comprehensibility of traffic signs and road markings is crucial in ensuring road safety.
Professionals and engineers in the traffic signage industry have emphasized the importance
of comprehension in the design of traffic signs and markings. To be effective, traffic signs
and markings must be clear, concise, and easily understood by all road users. Without
proper comprehension of traffic signs and markings, road safety may be compromised,
leading to accidents and fatalities. Therefore, it is essential to design traffic signs and
markings that are easily comprehensible, ensuring that they fulfill their intended purpose
of promoting safety on the road (Ng and Chan, 2008 as cited by Akple et al., 2020).
Thus, comprehension refers to the degree to which a driver can readily understand
a sign’s intended message and relay it through actions and applying the comprehension on
the roads. Extensive studies have been carried out on comprehension of traffic road signs
and markings over the past decades (Kirmizioglu and Tuydes-Yaman, 2012, Ou and Liu,
2012, Shinar and Vogelzang, 2013, Yuan et al., 2015). In addition, road markings play a
crucial role in enabling drivers to navigate road systems and be aware of potential hazards.
They provide essential information that allows drivers to adjust their driving behavior
accordingly. Without clear road markings, confusion on the road can arise. During
nighttime driving, road markings become even more critical as drivers depend on them for
guidance in low-light conditions. (TCL, 2017). In addition to aiding navigation and hazard
awareness, road markings establish designated zones for overtaking and changing lanes.
These markings often complement the information presented on road signs. Well-defined
center and edge lines can improve lane-keeping accuracy. It is crucial for drivers and road
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users to have a clear understanding of these markings and comply with them for efficient
Further study conducted in Nigeria by Sunday et al. (2011), it was reported that
73.5% of student drivers demonstrated a low level of knowledge of traffic signs and
markings. The study further revealed that only 13.1% of student drivers had a good
understanding of traffic signs and markings. The findings from this study were similar to
another study conducted by Sharma et al. (2014) in India that found that only 14.4% of
student drivers could identify the meaning of road markings and signs.
Level of Compliance of Student Motorists about Road Markings and Traffic Signs
The findings of the study of Akple et al. (2020), found that while the percentage of
drivers who were able to recognize traffic signs was relatively high, a smaller percentage
of drivers were actually able to comprehend the meaning behind these signs and due to that
reason drivers cannot comply with the road markings and traffic signs. Furthermore, the
study showed that there were significant differences in drivers' familiarity and
comprehension of different types of road signs and markings. The findings of the study
suggest that greater efforts need to be made to ensure that drivers not only recognize traffic
signs but also understand their intended meaning. The results of the study also indicated
that there was a positive correlation between the comprehensibility of traffic signs and
compliance with traffic rules. On the other hand, drivers who were more familiar with
certain signs tended to be less compliant with traffic rules. These findings suggest that there
is a need for greater emphasis on educating drivers about the meanings of different traffic
signs and markings, rather than simply increasing their familiarity with them. By doing so,
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it may be possible to improve drivers' understanding of traffic rules and ultimately reduce
Recognizing, comprehending, and observing traffic signages and road markings are
crucial for reducing traffic accidents. However, past studies have primarily focused on
comprehension of road signage and given little attention to familiarity and traffic rules
compliance as unique topics in traffic safety research. This narrow focus is inadequate
because road users may recognize a particular road sign without fully comprehending and
complying with traffic rules. Similarly, road users may understand traffic rules and signage
but fail to comply with them. Therefore, in important studies like these, testing only
The importance of familiarity and traffic rules compliance has been emphasized in
road safety research. Comprehension of road signage requires not only knowledge of the
sign's meaning but also familiarity with it. However, familiarity alone is not enough to
guarantee compliance with traffic rules. Road users must be educated on both the meaning
of road signage and their compliance with traffic rules. Road safety interventions must
prioritize efforts that emphasize both comprehension and familiarity with road signage, as
well as compliance with traffic rules, to effectively reduce the incidence of road accidents.
comprehension, and compliance with traffic rules in ensuring road safety (Akple et al.,
2020).
A study from Jothula, & Sreeharshika (2021) stated that while majority of the
respondents were aware of road safety regulations and in spite of having positive attitude
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toward road safety measures by the respondents, they could not translate attitude into
practice. Since road signs are intended to provide information to drivers. Such a system is
usually assumed to be an effective communication tool for the road users. The results from
this study indicated that such communication is not promising at all. There are substantial
problems with the level of comprehension among the drivers about the road markings and
traffic signs. The percentage of the drivers who gave correct responses to the markings and
The level of compliance with road markings and traffic signs among student
Stavrinos et al. (2013) in the US, compliance with traffic signs among young drivers is
low. The study found that young drivers were less likely to comply with stop signs, speed
limit signs, and caution signs compared to experienced drivers. The study suggested that
young drivers need more training and education on the importance of complying with
traffic signs. In addition, a study conducted in the United Arab Emirates by Al-Khateeb et
al. (2020) revealed that compliance with road markings and traffic signs is a challenge
among student drivers. The study found that student drivers tend to ignore or misinterpret
road markings and traffic signs, leading to a high risk of accidents on the road. The study
recommended that student drivers should receive regular training on road safety, including
According to the WHO (2018), globally 1.3 million people are killed due to road
traffic accidents (RTA) every year and it constitutes the cardinal cause of mortality and
injuries among young adults who represent physically and economically most active and
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productive members of the society. Mukhopadhyay (2017) also stated that, in India 4.96
lac of road accidents were reported in 2015 of which 35.7% were fatal. Determinants like
refusal to follow traffic rules, road safety guidelines, drunken driving, over speeding and
use of defective vehicles mostly stand contributory. There has been a rising tide of
motorization in India with annual vehicular growth of 10% in last decade concomitantly
increasing the risk. Unless immediate and effective action is initiated to stabilize the
present status, fatalities due to RTA is expected to amass up to 2.4 million annually.
College going students are extremely vulnerable because of their young age, adventurous
nature, availability of two wheelers and risky behavior (Reang, Tripura, 2014).
US, there were 1,885 young drivers who died in traffic crashes, a 17-percent increase from
1,616 in 2019. The number of licensed young drivers decreased by 4.7 percent from 2019
to 2020. In 2020 there were an estimated 189,950 young drivers injured in traffic crashes,
a decrease of 7 percent from 204,862 in 2019. Young drivers accounted for 8.5 percent of
all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020. However, young drivers were only 5.1 percent
of all licensed drivers in 2020. Young drivers involved in police reported crashes decreased
involved in fatal crashes increased by 14 percent from 3,999 in 2019 to 4,561 in 2020. The
rate of drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers for young female
drivers was 21.54 in 2020. For young male drivers in 2020 the involvement rate was 56.59,
more than twice that of young female drivers. During 2020 there were 219 motorcycle
riders 15 to 20 years old killed in crashes, and an additional estimated 6,472 in that age
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group were injured. In short, the number of road accidents among young drivers seemed to
decrease but would drastically increase in a short span of time (NHTSA, 2020).
In another study from India by Kulkarni et al. (2013), road traffic accidents are a
significant cause of death, currently ranked as the ninth leading cause, and predicted to
become the fifth leading cause of death by 2020. The problem is particularly severe in
developing countries such as India, where road accidents are the leading cause of death
among young adults aged 15-40, a demographic that comprises the most productive age
group. In fact, India alone accounts for 73% of the road traffic accident burden in the South
Preventing road traffic accidents is thus essential to improve both the quality and
longevity of life for affected individuals. Although some studies have been conducted in
the region to investigate road traffic fatalities, few have assessed the awareness levels and
practice of road safety measures among young adults. The study of Kulkarni et al. (2013),
aims to fill this gap by examining the awareness and practice of road safety measures
countries, presents a major challenge to public health. Improving awareness and adherence
to road safety measures can reduce the impact of road traffic accidents on people's lives.
The study of road safety measures among young adults is particularly important as this
group represents a significant proportion of road traffic accident victims (Kulkarni et al.
2013).
Nzuchi et al. (2022) stated that motorcyclists are the group most impacted by road
accidents due to their limited use of personal protective equipment when compared to other
25
road users (Boniface et al., 2016 & Nguyen et al., 2018). This issue is particularly prevalent
in low and middle-income countries where more than 85% of deaths and 90% of injuries
resulting from road traffic accidents occur (Abegaz et al., 2019). Despite being the least
motorized region, Africa has the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world with 26.6
deaths per 100,000 population. Surprisingly, Africa, which has only 3% of the world's
registered vehicles, contributes to 20% of all road traffic accidents globally, while
developed countries, which have 40% of the world's registered vehicles, contribute only
The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018 shows an increasing trend in
road traffic deaths in the Philippines. Philippine data show that approximately half of these
deaths are among vulnerable road users – motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. In
addition to deaths, there are thousands of road users who get injured and disabled from
road crashes. Road traffic injuries also cost about 2.6% of the country’s gross domestic
product. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates road traffic deaths
continue to rise in the Philippines, with estimated 12,690 deaths in 2016. The WHO Global
Status Report on Road Safety 2018 also highlights that road traffic injuries are now the
leading killer of children and young people aged 5-29 years around the world.
In the region IX, ZAMBOANGA CITY, the primary concern of the peace and order
council used to be violent extremism but in the current years, traffic and road accidents are
the main issues besetting the region. According to the City Mayor Maria Isabelle
Salazaduring, during the 4th RPOC9 meeting, that road and traffic accidents topped the list
of problems in the Western Mindanao region ( Alipala, 2019). Based on the report provided
by Chief Supt. Emmanuel Licup, the regional director of the Police Regional Office 9
26
(PRO9), of the 10,343 crime volume from January to September 2018, some 3,852 are
traffic accidents. In 2017, Licup said the figures were higher at 4,573 cases. There were
actually a drop of 22.39 percent compared to 2017 statistics to this year, but this is still
high considering the number of traffic incidents recorded every day (Alipala, 2019).
Base on the prevailing studies, the researchers found out that road safety remains a
significant global concern due to the fact that the findings of other studies have found that
young drivers, including students, are still likely to be involved in accidents due to lack of
knowledge or comprehension and non-compliance with road markings and traffic signs.
The gap in the study would be the lack of comprehensive and interventions or strategies to
be tested and be proven effective in improving the knowledge and compliance among
student motorists. While there may be some studies that suggest certain educational or
training programs, more research is needed to identify the specific addresses or components
that will make these interventions successful, and to ensure that they can be replicated in
different contexts.
along Dapitan City on road markings and traffic signs in relation to road safety would
definitely worsen the problem. Therefore, to fulfill the main problem of the study, the
researchers will provide the gap regarding on the Knowledge and the Level of Compliance
among Student Motorists in Relation to Road Safety. Thus, it is very interesting to note
this gap among other literatures presented and to be able to look into the result of it.
27
Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the research procedure which will be used in this study.
These are presented in the following sections, Research Design, Research Environment,
Research Design
combines quantitative and descriptive data to give relevant and reliable information.
Descriptive Survey Design, a time-efficient research strategy, engages the individuals who
are key to the study purpose. The data will be taken from the randomly selected
Criminology Students from first year to fourth year in Jose Rizal State University, Dapitan
Research Environment
The study will be conducted in the College of Criminal Justice Education of Jose
Del Norte Located at Governor Guading Adasa Street, Sta. Cruz Dapitan City. The said
campus has thousands of students enrolled, mostly students owning and using motorcycles
as means of transportation. This research study includes to find out whether the
knowledgeable and would comply with the road markings and traffic signs.
The respondents of the study will be the criminology students who are officially
enrolled in the college for the first semester of Academic Year 2023-2024 of Jose Rizal
Memorial State University – Main Campus, Dapitan City. It will utilize a random sampling
technique in qualifying the target respondents of the study. The respondents will be the
First Year to Fourth Year criminology student by doing a random sampling technique.
The random sampling is a part of the sampling technique in which each sample has
representation of the total population. If for some reasons, the sample does not represent
Research Instrument
The researcher adapts a standardized survey questionnaire checklist from the study
of Aydinan (2020). The instrument will be modified in order to sufficiently provide the
information needed by the researcher in the study. The first part of the questionnaire was
made by the researcher to answer the demographic profile of the target respondents which
the first part of the questioner is the profile start with the Name, Age, Sex, Year level,
Driving eligibility, and Driving experience. In the second part is the Knowledge among
Markings, and the Knowledge on Traffic Signs/Signals and Islands. And the Third part or
the last part is the Level of Compliance among Student Motorists on the Ten
Commandments of Traffic, the Level of Compliance on Road Markings, and the Level of
Validation of Instrument
29
The validation of research instrument will be done through the help of the
proponents’ adviser and the experts who will then evaluate the sensitivity, reliability,
criticality and credibility of the prepared instrument. The experts will examine its content
Scoring Procedure
Road Markings and Traffic Signs, the Four-point Likert scale is employed. Part I will be
the profile of the respondents. Knowledge will be Part II and Level of Compliance will be
Part II:
Part III:
The researcher will follow the proper protocol in research. Before data gathering,
the researcher will submit their manuscript for review and approval to their research
criteria set by the adviser/instructor, the adviser/instructor then, will endorse the researcher
for oral defense. After the evaluation of the panel members and revision of the comments
and suggestions, the researchers then will proceed to data gathering. The researchers will
31
ask permission from the Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education to gather
information on criminology student about their knowledge and the level of compliance on
road markings and traffic signs in relation to road safety, after the permission is sought, the
researcher will ask permission from the concerned respondent and ensure their anonymity.
After that the researcher will give the questionnaires and will be distributed for their
responses. After the retrievals of the questionnaires, data will be tallied, organized and will
The responses of the respondents will be treated as a raw data in this study. The
data gathered that will be tabulated and categorized will be treated according to appropriate
tools.
Frequency Count and Percentage. This will be used to find out the profile of the
𝐟
𝐏 (%) = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝐍
Where:
P (%) = Percentage
f = frequency
N= number of respondents
of each category or profile. This will determine the difference on the level of knowledge
and compliance of the respondents. This provides a basic overview of the distribution of
data.
32
Weighted Mean. This was used to compute the average response of the
respondents to each item of the questionnaire, and determine the verbal interpretation. It
Ʃfw
= -------
--
N
Where:
= mean
f = frequency
w = weight
N = number of cases
Ʃ = summation of
33
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38
APPENDIX A
QUESTIONNAIRE ON
ROAD SAFETY
Direction: Kindly fill-in the blanks provided per item and check the box of items which
have options/choices.
Age: ______________
Year Level:
Driving Eligibility:
39
Professional License
Non-Professional License
1-5
5-10
10-15
15-20
Part II: The knowledge on the Ten Commandments, Road Markings, and Traffic
Direction: The next section will assess your knowledge and level of compliance on road
markings and traffic signs. Please check in the box that best describes you.
4 3 2 1
1 Knowledge about the “Keep right rule”
2 Knowledge on how to observe road
courtesy
3 Knowledge about places on the roadway
that vehicles should not be parked
4 Knowledge on what does it mean by “If
in doubt, do not overtake
5 Knowledge about the bus stop rule
6 Knowledge about the “Rules to prevent
or untangle traffic congestion or traffic
jam”
7 Knowledge about what is “Observe the
Traffic Management Measure”
8 Knowledge about what is “The
Philosophy of a Pinoy Driver”
9 Knowledge about the “On Pedestrians
Rule”
10 Knowledge about the “International
driving safety reminder”
4 3 2 1
1 Knowledge about what is meant by
“Single White Dotted Line”
2 Knowledge about what is meant by
“Single White Continuous line in a two-
lane traffic way”
3 Knowledge about what is meant by
“Single continuous line on a four lane
road “
4 Knowledge about what is meant by
“Double yellow/white line”
41
4 3 2 1
1 Knowledge about Danger Warning
Signs
2 Knowledge about Prohibitive and
Restrictive Signs
3 Knowledge about Mandatory Signs
4 Knowledge about Priority Signs
5 Knowledge about Informative Signs
6 Knowledge about the use of Pedestrian
Island
7 Knowledge about the use of Division
Island
8 Knowledge about the use of
Channelizing Island
9 Knowledge about the use of Rotary
Island
10 Knowledge about the meaning of each
color on the traffic signal light
42
Part III. The Level of Compliance on the Ten Commandments, Road Markings, and
Traffic Signs/Signals and Islands.
Weight Description Interpretation
4 Always Refers to students who consistently follow road markings and
traffic signs without any exception or violation.
3 Often Refers to students who follow road markings and traffic signs
most of the time but may sometimes fail to do so.
2 Seldom Refer to students who rarely follow road markings and traffic
signs, and they often violate or ignore them.
1 Never Refer to students who never follow road markings and traffic
signs, and they always violate or ignore them.
4 3 2 1
1 Keeping right while driving
2 Yielding to emergency vehicles,
pedestrians, vehicles with right of way,
traffic with momentum and traffic signs
3 Parking near the intersection, pedestrian
lanes, fire stations, fire hydrant, and
private driveways
4 Overtaking even when there is upcoming
traffic
5 Parking or passing on a bus stop
6 Giving way to intersections during traffic
and avoiding overtaking/counter flowing
7 Driving on the shoulder in the main
highway and even when it is your
vehicles coding
8 Giving way to vehicles that come first on
rotundas or intersections in the absence
of traffic signal lights
9 Giving way to pedestrians and yield on a
bus stop and jitney stop
10 Driving within the speed limit to observe
safety first
43
4 3 2 1
1 Overtaking only when a single white
dotted line is present and an opposing
lane is clear
2 Overtaking when there is a single white
continuous line
3 Overtaking by passing over the
solid/continuous white lines on a four
lane road
4 Overtaking when double yellow/white
line is present
5 Overtaking when there is a single
yellow/white line with a dotted line and
the solid line is in my side
6 Passing on the passing lane if it is
present on the roadway
7 Stopping and loading or unloading a
passenger on pedestrian lane
8 Following directional arrows on
intersections
9 Stopping at stop lines before
intersections or pedestrian lanes
10 Avoiding bumping on barrel lines in
case of an accident
4 3 2 1
1 Observing caution when triangular traffic
signs are present on the road like
“Intersection Ahead”
2 Following prohibitive signs and
restrictive signs like “No Entry”
3 Following mandatory signs like
“Minimum Speed”
4 Following stop/yield signs especially on
intersections
44
-----The Researchers