The Development of Road Safety Strengthening Model in Youth by the Participation of Network Partners at Khum Mad Sub-District, Sam Sung District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

        This participatory action research aims to study the development of a road safety strengthening model among youth through the participation of network partners at Khum Mad Sub-District, Sam Soong District, Khon Kaen Province. The sample size consisted of a network partner group of 30 individuals and 95 youths aged 15-19 years old. The model was developed in accordance with PAOR processes, including planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The research utilizes five tools and fosters road safety survival skills. Data collection tools were validated by three experts, ensuring their precision and accuracy for data collection. The data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics and content analysis.

        The research findings indicate four main road accident issues among youth in Khum Mad Sub-District: speeding behavior, driving under the influence, failure to wear helmets, and modifying motorcycle conditions. The road safety strengthening model for youth comprises six components: building perception regarding road safety among youth, enhancing knowledge and safe driving skills, establishing risk communication networks, promoting safe driving campaigns, ensuring 100% helmet usage within families, and managing road accident risk areas within the community. After implementation, the youth reduced their behavior of driving under the influence and have been using helmets while driving. The youth possess a high level of knowledge of safe driving at 87.4%. They have safe driving behavior at a good level of 86.3%. They have road safety survival skills at a high level of 83.2%. All youth and parents were informed through publicity efforts. The parents warned their children, and the Line group was established to address road accident risks. Therefore, the awareness of the importance of safe driving has been increasing, and no accidents were reported in the resolved risk areas.