Ethical Aspects in Road Traffic Safety and Driving Behavior Change
Ethical Aspects in Road Traffic Safety and Driving Behavior Change

Summary/Abstract: Road traffic injuries are a major global health and development problem, are the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 years old worldwide. Less attention is paid to the prevention of road injuries considering ethical principles, even if everyone who shares a road can contribute to improving road safety by his/her responsibility, that refers to consciousness, individual responsibility, and proper behavior. Despite the government’s efforts in reducing road accidents and injuries, however, the behavior and attitude of the participants in the traffic remain irresponsible. Government has a major responsibility for traffic safety, including road infrastructure, the adoption and enforcement of traffic laws, the taxation of fuel, and the education of drivers. On the other hand, road users are responsible for knowing the law and traffic rules, respect and attention in traffic, responsible behavior as a driver or pedestrian. Drivers have the moral duty while driving to use a seat belt, comply with road traffic rules and safety requirements and have a duty not to harm- to avoid putting yourself and others in danger by not observing safety measures. An ethical way to prevent harm due to injuries and death in traffic would be by understanding modifiable risk factors (behavior), increasing awareness of responsibility in traffic, and increasing respect for all participants in traffic, without causing any damage. This paper provides a background for a discussion of the ethical aspects applied in maintaining road safety.

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