Identifying risks related to road traffic accidents among vulnerable population in Moneragala district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

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Objectives: To identify individual and environmental risks related to road traffic accidents(RTA) among elc (>60years) and disabled people (>5years living with physical, sensory or mobility impairment) in Monera district. Methods: Study was designed as community based participatory research. Participants were vulnerable road i (elderly and disabled). Eight focus group discussions (8-10 in each) were conducted with elderly and disable identify local and regional destinations that were most important to access, perceived risks related to RTA needs/suggestions for road safety. Participants were encouraged to photograph the environment barriers facilitators for road safety. ‘Photovoice’ is increasingly used as valuable adjunct in participatory research-a v better heard through. Results: Frequently visited places identified by older people were the hospital, temple, village houses, commi hall and bank. For disabled it varied by age, as vocational training centre, special needs school and community Mostly used travel modes were public bus, three wheeled-vehicles or walking. Transportation barriers for the elc were identified as poor road conditions, lack of disability-friendly transportation system, financial constraints negative human factors. Disabled found accessibility to public places a major barrier. These facts were supporte photographs. Suggestions for improvement included awareness programs among people involved in transporta cost effective transportation modes, mass media acknowledgments of rights of elderly and disabled, more effes legislation and improved road infrastructure. Conclusions: It is evident that many places the study population frequently travels are located in the city. They many risks when travelling to these destinations. It is proposed to improve road conditions, modify mode transportation, rigorous law enforcement and awareness programs among public to minimize the road related faced by disabled and elderly.