Road Traffic Safety Culture

Abstract

This article contains an analysis of the existed Russian scientific methods of study on road safety as social phenomenon. The author reveals the genesis of the subject, its particularities in context of interdisciplinary study that has established in the last decade; determines the value of the sociological approach to the road safety problem analysis. Based on terminological base analysis the author highlights and identifies the most important indicators of road safety culture empirical measurements. In particular, are considered such terms as Safety, Transport Safety, Road Safety, Risk, and Culture of Safe Behavior on the Road. Based on these terms, the author tries to interpret and operationalize the concept of Pedestrian Culture. The article presents the author research data that analyzes public awareness on reflective elements necessity and willingness to use them in nighttime on the road. In the course of the study conducted with the author’s participation, testees revealed a weak supraliminal need in practical use of safety measures for pedestrians. It was determined that State Road Inspectorate initiatives on intensification of safety measure use are supported my most respondents. Based on the study, the author suggests considering road safety a socio-cultural problem, for its resolution demanding specific organizational measures based on similar studies.