Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
Road traffic accident are a significant public health agitate globally, that
leads to injuries, disabilities and fatal. Road traffic accidents are the
momentous cause of mortality and morbidity, head as the most terrible
affected site of injury. The factors contribute to road traffic accidents include
grave driving behavior, driving under influence of alcohol, inadequate safety
measures such as seat belts and helmets, poorly maintained vehicles, and
inadequate road infrastructure.
Traffic accidents happens when a vehicle crash with another vehicle,
pedestrian, animal, road barrier and constant obstructions. Collision may
result in injury, death, vehicle and possession damage. Motor vehicle collision
cause death and disability as well as financial burden (Mohammed, A.A., et.al.
2019).
One of the generally causes of fatal and disability is road injuries, with
unequal number of incidents in developing countries. Frequency of road traffic
accident is a growing public health concerns in developing country. It was
found that adolescents, especially male populations, are at high risk of traffic
injury and death with a frequency rate ranging from 11.1% to 42.6% for age
20-30 years old and 4.6% to 97.2% for male subjects (Khatib, M., et.al. 2015).
Extreme speed and violating traffic rules and regulations were found to
be the main causes of Road Traffic Accidents. Low rates of compliance with
speed limit signs and seat belts regulations are also observed. These findings
emphasize the need to consolidate effective traffic law enforcement alongside
amending traffic safety and raise public awareness (Touahmia, M., 2018).
Results showed that bulky vehicle size is most likely to cause critical
accidents. Drivers age is also a predictor of cruciality. It suggests that an older
driver is more likely involved in critical road accidents than young drivers. The
criticality of road traffic accidents is also dependent on the congestion of
roads. The highly congested road tends to limit the driving speed, which
reduces the fatal of accidents (Velasco,V., et.al. 2021).
Weather condition also shows as factors in the increase of Road
Traffic Accident. The intense program for driving lessons and strict
implementation driving licensure enrollment and proper planning of travel
recommended. Also, real-time visualization for weather conditions
recommended (Abrigo, D., et.al. 2021).
In Philippines, the situation is no different, with areas such as
Lacupayan, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur witnessing a significant number of
these incidents. Accidents have been a concern in baranggay Lacupayan
despite of the various measures taken to control this issues, still number of
accidents exist. Road traffic accident pose a significant threat to public health
globally. Addressing factors such as risky driving behaviors, inadequate safety
measures, and poor road infrastructure is essential in mitigating the impact of
road traffic accidents and improving road safety for all individuals.
Theoretical Framework
The relevant theory anchored by these study is the domino theory
developed by Herbert William Heinrich and Multiple Causation theory.
Domino Theory is a concept in occupational safety that explains the
sequence of events leading to accidents. According to Heinrich, accidents
occur due to a series of interconnected factors, much like a row of falling
dominoes. He identified five factors that must be present for an accident to
occur. According to him the sequence are as follows: Social Environment,
Fault of Person, Unsafe Act/Condition, Accident, Injury.
The Domino Theory emphasizes that by removing or mitigating any
one of these factors, the accident sequence can be interrupted, preventing the
accident and its consequences. Heinrich's work was groundbreaking in that it
shifted the focus from blaming workers for accidents to recognizing the role of
both human behavior and environmental factors.
However, the Domino Theory has also been criticized for its simplicity.
Critics argue that it oversimplifies complex accident causation and can lead to
a focus on individual blame rather than addressing systemic issues. Modern
safety management approaches often incorporate more holistic models that
consider the interplay of multiple factors, including organizational culture,
management systems, and environmental influences.
Despite its limitations, the Domino Theory remains a valuable tool for
understanding accident causation and promoting a proactive approach to
safety. It highlights the importance of identifying and addressing both human
and environmental factors to prevent accidents and create safer working
environments.
Multiple Causation Theory, this theory posits that accidents are not
caused by a single factor but rather by a combination of multiple factors
working together. The Multiple Causation Theory recognizes that accidents
are the result of a complex interplay of various elements, including human
factors, environmental conditions, organizational factors, and technical
failures. It highlights the importance of understanding the interaction and
convergence of these factors in accident causation.
This theory suggests that accidents occur when a chain of events and
conditions align, creating a situation where the accident becomes almost
inevitable. It emphasizes that accidents are rarely caused by a single isolated
cause but rather by the convergence of multiple contributing factors. By
considering multiple causation, this theory provides a more comprehensive
framework for accident analysis and prevention. It encourages investigators
and safety professionals to explore the various contributing factors and their
interactions to identify underlying causes and develop effective preventive
measures.
