MODEL OF PEDESTRIAN RISK BEHAVIOR CROSSING HIGHWAY IN URBANIZED AREA
Road Safety, Theory of planned behavior, Pedestrian crossing on highway
In the highway environment, where the presence of cargo vehicles and higher speeds prevail, the vulnerability of pedestrians becomes more pronounced. Aiming to enhance the understanding of pedestrian risk behavior, this research sought to develop and evaluate a conceptual model to explain pedestrian risk behavior during highway crossings located in urbanized areas equipped with pedestrian overpasses. While existing studies address pedestrian crossing behavior based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the present study integrated the TPB with other theories to expand the understanding of the variables influencing pedestrian risk behavior.
The conceptual model, named the Pedestrian Risk Behavior in Crossing Model (PRBCM), was developed by integrating variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), and the Social Conformity Tendency. The research investigated predictors of pedestrian risk behavior by comparing two models: the basic TPB model and the PRBCM. The study was conducted on highways in the Federal District, specifically on highways DF-001 (EPCT - Pistão Sul section), DF-075 (EPNB), and DF-095 (EPCL), all equipped with pedestrian overpasses. Data collection involved questionnaires administered to pedestrians, followed by statistical analyses using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the adequacy of the proposed model.
The results of the model comparison showed that the PRBCM provided a better fit and offered a superior explanation for pedestrian risk behavior. Perceived behavioral control was identified as a significant predictor of intention, and the tendency for social conformity influenced pedestrian risk behavior. Additionally, driving experience also impacted pedestrians' intentions, leading them to engage in risky crossing behaviors on highways.