Abstract
This study used the phenomenological approach to explore the perceptions and practices of road safety among students registered at the University of Johannesburg in 2018. The study further makes recommendations based on the perceptions and practices identified by the participants. Primary qualitative data was gathered using an interview guide with open-ended questions that was administered during face-to-face individual interviews. The interview guide consisted of two questions that addressed concepts that are critical to road safety. Based on the characteristics of the population identified, a purposive, non-probability sampling method was used to select participants from the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein campus, targeting male and female students aged 18 years and above. Participants were selected until saturation was reached. A total of 15 participants were interviewed. Data was analysed using a qualitative thematic approach. The findings of this study indicate that students generally have positive perceptions towards road safety. It was also found that students at the University of Johannesburg are aware of road safety issues. Students identified unsafe road user practices and how these behaviours affect the public at large. The student’s perceptions were that attitudinal, perceptual, societal and experiential are amongst the reasons behind the unsafe road user behaviour. This study recommends behaviour change programmes that will focus on road users, with emphasis on drivers and pedestrians. Law enforcement should also improve regulations to ensure that there is compliance to road safety laws.
M.A. (Public Health)