ethar braizat | University of Jordan (original) (raw)

Papers by ethar braizat

It is now well recognized that road safety is a worldwide public health problem and there is a hi... more It is now well recognized that road safety is a worldwide public health problem and there is a high public awareness about road traffic injuries, their grave consequences and enormous costs to society. Road safety developments are correlated with socioeconomic factors such as level of motorization and economic growth which differs significantly between developed and developing countries. This paper discusses and compares the magnitude, trends and causes of traffic accidents, accident costs and cost estimation methods, strategies and countermeasures in both developing and developed countries. Traffic safety data for the period 2003-2013 from selected developing countries are analyzed and compared with European countries (EU). The fatality rates per population for the developing countries were found to be substantially higher than those in EU countries. EU strive to make their fatality rates dropping towards their zero vision while those for developing countries may continue to be high unless effective measures are implemented to reduce the magnitude and severity of their accidents. Accident costs were found to be a real economic burden in developing countries estimated at more than 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) much higher compared to developed countries. The results suggest that road safety is more appreciated in developed countries. Although developed countries have a good experience in applying road safety programs, it is more difficult to apply the same safety programs in developing countries. This research also highlights the countries' experiences in road safety improvements.

Jordan suffers from a serious road safety problem that must get more attention from the decision ... more Jordan suffers from a serious road safety problem that must get more attention from the decision makers. The magnitude of the problem requires the researchers and decision makers to provide approaches to reduce the overall number and severity of accidents. However, the implementation of road safety measures bears a lot on the various stakeholders with multitude of interests leading to the development of what is termed " Best Practice " strategy for road safety. This paper explains the concept of best practice, presents a number of road safety measures and assesses them in order to identify the most promising sets of investments under Jordanian roadway and traffic conditions. The assessment process was facilitated through using some developed selection and ranking measures The final output of this study provides all parties involved in traffic safety with a best practice guide and a comprehensive road safety strategy to assist them in their initial strategic choice of cost-effective investments that aim to improve road safety.

Road traffic crashes are a considerable concern in both developed and developing countries becaus... more Road traffic crashes are a considerable concern in both developed and developing countries because of their impact on social, economical and health issues. Statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to developed countries. The number of accidents has increased more than five-fold between 1995 and 2012 reaching 112817 in 2012. This paper gives an overview of road safety on Jordan's road network and reviews the efforts that were done for predicting road traffic crashes in the scientific literature with special reference to Jordan. Using the data provided by the Traffic Department for the number of crashes and related factors for the period from 2004 to 2013, a new relationship is established between crashes and a number of related factors in an attempt to improve the models' prediction power and to investigate the effect of adding new predictors on the strength of the models. The results showed that the developed model can be used with confidence to predict road traffic crashes under Jordanian conditions as it has a very high R 2 value of 99.9 %.

Road safety is a challenge not only just for people involved in crashes but for everyone involved... more Road safety is a challenge not only just for people involved in crashes but for everyone involved in using, designing and managing the road transport system. Road crashes occur frequently everywhere and anybody can be involved in a crash. Crashes have a variety of causes but in almost all crashes, human error whether intentional: a person violates a law or unintentional errors an incapable person can be seen as a prevalent factor in up to 90-95 per cent of crashes Different mixes of intervention are possible, but designers and operators should try to create safe conditions which is a proactive approach aimed at eliminating latent errors in traffic, and this is a key element of what is referred to as a Safe System approach This paper introduces and describes the Safe System approach and explore it's characteristics. It addresses the issue of road safety culture to better understand the cultural factors affecting road safety improvement and the implementation of the Safe System approach. A few examples of countries with a high level of ambition are presented and the need to develop strategies for sound implementation of a Safe System approach is discussed.

—Accident statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to develope... more —Accident statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to developed countries producing large socioeconomic losses. The number of accidents has increased five old-fold between 1995 and 2009 reaching 122,793 in 2009 with an estimated cost of JOD 336 million (equivalent to about $504 million). This study investigates the present and future magnitude of road traffic accidents in Jordan in order to provide a better understanding of the road safety trauma and assist strategic planning and optional allocation of resources. Potential countermeasures are identified and evaluated by examining the attitudes of road users toward the effectiveness and favorability of these measures. 

In the last two decades, many developed and developing countries have commissioned or considered ... more In the last two decades, many developed and developing countries have commissioned or considered conducting studies, which are designed to develop a future road safety strategy, and provide a framework for facilitating action. This paper reviews the main studies, then sets the steps and components to formulate a road safety strategy for developing countries by considering various approaches and implementation scenarios for being included in one comprehensive strategy. In Jordan, classified as a middle-income developing country, the current traffic safety conditions are already extremely serious and is expected to worsen in the future unless necessary effective remedial measures are taken and implemented. The paper provides an insight into the road safety issue in Jordan, identifies the need to combat the problem then presents a recommended comprehensive road safety strategy to counteract it. The strategy incorporates two phases: the first is regarded as a short-term remedy which, using a predesigned questionnaire, identifies the most effective and acceptable countermeasures (CMs) as perceived by road users. The second phase involves the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for long-term remedy. A long term national road safety strategy based on internationally recognized approaches was developed and its various components are presented. The final output of this study provides all parties involved in traffic safety with a best practice guide and a comprehensive road safety strategy to assist them in their initial strategic choice of cost-effective investments that aim to improve road safety.

Amman, the capital of Jordan has been subjected to persistent increase in road traffic due to ove... more Amman, the capital of Jordan has been subjected to persistent increase in road traffic due to overall increase in prosperity, fast development and expansion of economy, travel and tourism leading to the traffic noise being a growing environmental problem. This study investigates the changes over the years in the magnitude of the traffic noise pollution, the attitude of the residents towards the problem and estimates its economical impact.

Road accidents account for a large number of deaths and injuries each year in Jordan and remain t... more Road accidents account for a large number of deaths and injuries each year in Jordan and remain the leading cause of accidental death for children. They can cause life-changing injuries including loss of limbs, spinal injuries and head injuries. Children and young people aged 0–17 years constitute about 45% of the total population of Jordan which amounts to about 6.4 million. Children use roads as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and car occupant. With a range of risk factors, notably immaturity, risk taking behaviors and small body stature will increase the risk susceptibility of children to traffic injury and fatality. Figures published by the Public Security Directorate show that among a total of 704 casualities,175 children under the age of 17 were killed in 2012 on Jordan's roads-an average of 2 children every day. This paper provides an overview of the magnitude and the various characteristics of the children road safety in Jordan. These include such characteristics as gender, age and the types of road user which are most at risk (e.g. car occupant, pedestrians, etc). The patterns of traffic injuries and fatalities among children in Jordan over the period (2007 – 2012) are also presented and discussed. Finally, some measures to combat this carnage and prevent children and young people from dying on the roads are outlined.

The magnitude of the road safety problem in developing countries requires the researchers and dec... more The magnitude of the road safety problem in developing countries requires the researchers and decision makers to provide approaches to reduce the overall number and severity of accidents. However, the implementation of road safety measures bears a lot on the various stakeholders with multitude of interests leading to the development of what is termed "Best Practice" strategy for road safety.

It is now well recognized that road safety is a worldwide public health problem and there is a hi... more It is now well recognized that road safety is a worldwide public health problem and there is a high public awareness about road traffic injuries, their grave consequences and enormous costs to society. Road safety developments are correlated with socioeconomic factors such as level of motorization and economic growth which differs significantly between developed and developing countries. This paper discusses and compares the magnitude, trends and causes of traffic accidents, accident costs and cost estimation methods, strategies and countermeasures in both developing and developed countries. Traffic safety data for the period 2003-2013 from selected developing countries are analyzed and compared with European countries (EU). The fatality rates per population for the developing countries were found to be substantially higher than those in EU countries. EU strive to make their fatality rates dropping towards their zero vision while those for developing countries may continue to be high unless effective measures are implemented to reduce the magnitude and severity of their accidents. Accident costs were found to be a real economic burden in developing countries estimated at more than 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) much higher compared to developed countries. The results suggest that road safety is more appreciated in developed countries. Although developed countries have a good experience in applying road safety programs, it is more difficult to apply the same safety programs in developing countries. This research also highlights the countries' experiences in road safety improvements.

Jordan suffers from a serious road safety problem that must get more attention from the decision ... more Jordan suffers from a serious road safety problem that must get more attention from the decision makers. The magnitude of the problem requires the researchers and decision makers to provide approaches to reduce the overall number and severity of accidents. However, the implementation of road safety measures bears a lot on the various stakeholders with multitude of interests leading to the development of what is termed " Best Practice " strategy for road safety. This paper explains the concept of best practice, presents a number of road safety measures and assesses them in order to identify the most promising sets of investments under Jordanian roadway and traffic conditions. The assessment process was facilitated through using some developed selection and ranking measures The final output of this study provides all parties involved in traffic safety with a best practice guide and a comprehensive road safety strategy to assist them in their initial strategic choice of cost-effective investments that aim to improve road safety.

Road traffic crashes are a considerable concern in both developed and developing countries becaus... more Road traffic crashes are a considerable concern in both developed and developing countries because of their impact on social, economical and health issues. Statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to developed countries. The number of accidents has increased more than five-fold between 1995 and 2012 reaching 112817 in 2012. This paper gives an overview of road safety on Jordan's road network and reviews the efforts that were done for predicting road traffic crashes in the scientific literature with special reference to Jordan. Using the data provided by the Traffic Department for the number of crashes and related factors for the period from 2004 to 2013, a new relationship is established between crashes and a number of related factors in an attempt to improve the models' prediction power and to investigate the effect of adding new predictors on the strength of the models. The results showed that the developed model can be used with confidence to predict road traffic crashes under Jordanian conditions as it has a very high R 2 value of 99.9 %.

Road safety is a challenge not only just for people involved in crashes but for everyone involved... more Road safety is a challenge not only just for people involved in crashes but for everyone involved in using, designing and managing the road transport system. Road crashes occur frequently everywhere and anybody can be involved in a crash. Crashes have a variety of causes but in almost all crashes, human error whether intentional: a person violates a law or unintentional errors an incapable person can be seen as a prevalent factor in up to 90-95 per cent of crashes Different mixes of intervention are possible, but designers and operators should try to create safe conditions which is a proactive approach aimed at eliminating latent errors in traffic, and this is a key element of what is referred to as a Safe System approach This paper introduces and describes the Safe System approach and explore it's characteristics. It addresses the issue of road safety culture to better understand the cultural factors affecting road safety improvement and the implementation of the Safe System approach. A few examples of countries with a high level of ambition are presented and the need to develop strategies for sound implementation of a Safe System approach is discussed.

—Accident statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to develope... more —Accident statistics show a relatively low level of traffic safety in Jordan compared to developed countries producing large socioeconomic losses. The number of accidents has increased five old-fold between 1995 and 2009 reaching 122,793 in 2009 with an estimated cost of JOD 336 million (equivalent to about $504 million). This study investigates the present and future magnitude of road traffic accidents in Jordan in order to provide a better understanding of the road safety trauma and assist strategic planning and optional allocation of resources. Potential countermeasures are identified and evaluated by examining the attitudes of road users toward the effectiveness and favorability of these measures. 

In the last two decades, many developed and developing countries have commissioned or considered ... more In the last two decades, many developed and developing countries have commissioned or considered conducting studies, which are designed to develop a future road safety strategy, and provide a framework for facilitating action. This paper reviews the main studies, then sets the steps and components to formulate a road safety strategy for developing countries by considering various approaches and implementation scenarios for being included in one comprehensive strategy. In Jordan, classified as a middle-income developing country, the current traffic safety conditions are already extremely serious and is expected to worsen in the future unless necessary effective remedial measures are taken and implemented. The paper provides an insight into the road safety issue in Jordan, identifies the need to combat the problem then presents a recommended comprehensive road safety strategy to counteract it. The strategy incorporates two phases: the first is regarded as a short-term remedy which, using a predesigned questionnaire, identifies the most effective and acceptable countermeasures (CMs) as perceived by road users. The second phase involves the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for long-term remedy. A long term national road safety strategy based on internationally recognized approaches was developed and its various components are presented. The final output of this study provides all parties involved in traffic safety with a best practice guide and a comprehensive road safety strategy to assist them in their initial strategic choice of cost-effective investments that aim to improve road safety.

Amman, the capital of Jordan has been subjected to persistent increase in road traffic due to ove... more Amman, the capital of Jordan has been subjected to persistent increase in road traffic due to overall increase in prosperity, fast development and expansion of economy, travel and tourism leading to the traffic noise being a growing environmental problem. This study investigates the changes over the years in the magnitude of the traffic noise pollution, the attitude of the residents towards the problem and estimates its economical impact.

Road accidents account for a large number of deaths and injuries each year in Jordan and remain t... more Road accidents account for a large number of deaths and injuries each year in Jordan and remain the leading cause of accidental death for children. They can cause life-changing injuries including loss of limbs, spinal injuries and head injuries. Children and young people aged 0–17 years constitute about 45% of the total population of Jordan which amounts to about 6.4 million. Children use roads as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and car occupant. With a range of risk factors, notably immaturity, risk taking behaviors and small body stature will increase the risk susceptibility of children to traffic injury and fatality. Figures published by the Public Security Directorate show that among a total of 704 casualities,175 children under the age of 17 were killed in 2012 on Jordan's roads-an average of 2 children every day. This paper provides an overview of the magnitude and the various characteristics of the children road safety in Jordan. These include such characteristics as gender, age and the types of road user which are most at risk (e.g. car occupant, pedestrians, etc). The patterns of traffic injuries and fatalities among children in Jordan over the period (2007 – 2012) are also presented and discussed. Finally, some measures to combat this carnage and prevent children and young people from dying on the roads are outlined.

The magnitude of the road safety problem in developing countries requires the researchers and dec... more The magnitude of the road safety problem in developing countries requires the researchers and decision makers to provide approaches to reduce the overall number and severity of accidents. However, the implementation of road safety measures bears a lot on the various stakeholders with multitude of interests leading to the development of what is termed "Best Practice" strategy for road safety.