Validation of the Dula Dangerous Driving Index: Insights into Risky Driving Behaviors

Abstract

A major safety concern in Pakistan's traffic system is the growing number of drivers who are ignorant of the laws. This research has three primary objectives. Its primary objective is to assess the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI) for relevance and dependability in the Pakistani setting. Second, it aims to investigate how driving instruction, seat belt use, sociodemographic characteristics, and DDDI affect the frequency of traffic crashes. Finally, it contrasts the driving habits of Chinese and Pakistani drivers. There were 623 Pakistani and 630 Chinese people that filled out a survey for the study. The study asked about dangerous driving habits, sociodemographic information, seat belt use, driving lessons, and been in a traffic collision. The study verified the DDDI's validity by comparing it to self-reported road crashes and seat belt use. We utilized generalized linear models to find predictive factors in the DDDI categories and binary logistic regression to look at the elements that affect traffic crashes. The study looked at DDDI, sociodemographic factors, seat belt use, and driving education. The study's findings indicated that the utilization of a seat belt while driving reduced the probability of a crash by 25%. Aggressive driving and risky behaviors increased the likelihood of traffic crashes by 36% and 20%, respectively. Moreover, the likelihood of involvement in a crash diminished by 21% as the driver's age increased. The study revealed that Pakistani drivers exhibit greater aggression and a higher propensity for unsafe driving than their Chinese counterparts, who are often more disciplined. The findings indicate that the deficient road safety in Pakistan is due to insufficient driving education programs, uneven enforcement of traffic regulations, inadequate road infrastructure, and a lack of public awareness campaigns.