Gendered perspective on road crossing behaviors: a study of University of Cape Coast Students

Abstract

Globally, studies have provided significant facts about pedestrian demographic characteristics influencing road crossing behavior of pedestrians. However, there seems to be an unconcluded argument about the influence of demographic characteristics on road crossing behavior. This study examines the gender differences in road crossing behavior of UCC students on campus. The study was done by mapping out the road conditions of pedestrian crossing sites, identifying the perceived gender prone to indulge in bad road crossing behavior and examine the gendered perception towards drivers’ attitude on road crossing behavior on campus. An observation checklist was used to observe the road crossing behavior of both men and women. One Focused Group Discussion was conducted each for men and women groups on UCC campus. Results indicated that men were more prone to road crossing accidents than women. Further analysis showed differing drivers’ attitudes towards pedestrians and road crossing behaviors by men and women on campus. It was found that women were relatively treated better than men. It is recommended that road users educated to be sensitive to each other to reduce gender-biased attitude and behaviors while using the road