Citation

Choueiri EM, Choueiri GM, Choueiri BM. ITE J. 1997; 67(1): 32-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

The number of automobile accidents in developing countries continues to soar as populations in urban areas increase and vehicle ownership becomes more common. This article examines the road safety situation in Lebanon--a developing country in the Middle East--and analyzes the factors related to their traffic accidents. Overall, the traffic system in Lebanon is chaotic, lacking sufficient traffic control systems. The primary reasons for traffic accidents in Lebanon are: incompatibility of speeds with prevailing traffic situations; noncompliance with vehicles' rights-of-way; lack of lane discipline; tailgating; irresponsible overtaking maneuvers; noncompliance with pedestrian rights-of-way; motorcyclists' behavior on the road; mechanical failure of vehicles; poor road conditions, and absence of traffic control devices. The authors offer a list of recommendations to help solve some of Lebanon's traffic dilemmas. Generally, these recommendations incorporate various methods and techniques to lower the number of accidents and institute stricter rules and regulations to complement road and vehicle design for increased safety. Crash analysis; Crash causes; Developing countries; Highway design; Traffic control; Traffic crashes; Traffic safety; Vehicle characteristics; Close following

Language: en