Self-management of Risk for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents from a Health Perspective: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: In the world, deaths and injuries caused by traffic collisions have been considered a public health problem. In Colombia, 7.238 fatalities were recorded in 2021, with motorcycle riders representing the largest group of victims at 59.7%. Methods: The aim of this qualitative phenomenological study is to describe the risky experiences and deliberate actions of diverse road users that influence the self-management of the risk of traffic collisions. Results: Data were obtained from 22 participants: motorists, pedestrians and drivers. The content analysis describes various human conditions that affect self-management of the risk of traffic accidents, such as unsafe behaviors, non-compliance with traffic regulations by the different road actors, competitive culture among drivers, eagerness, among others. Additionally, factors related to care were determined: healthy recreational activities, promoting the value of one’s own life and that of others, adequate time management and preventive behaviors by some road users. Conclusion: This research provides information on social and cultural aspects, experiences and risky behaviors of different road actors that influence the incidence of traffic accidents in Colombia.