DEVELOPING A PROPOSED ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM

AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN 1ST DISTRICT OF ISABELA

Abstract— To mitigate traffic violations and injuries, a Notwithstanding these efforts, there are still gaps in the
tailored traffic safety education program was developed for practical education of younger people, especially seniors in high
senior high school students in the first district of Isabela, school, who are most suited to comprehend traffic laws and
Philippines. This study assessed students' knowledge, regulations. The study "Developing a Proposed Road Traffic Safety
compliance, and preferences regarding road traffic safety to Education Program Among Senior High School Students in the 1st
prepare them for responsible driving, and it might assist them District of Isabela" was conducted to evaluate students'
in getting ready to apply for a driver's license. A mixed-method understanding of traffic signs and suggest a focused traffic safety
approach was employed, involving 55 participants in in-depth education program. This initiative aims to equip students with the
interviews and 177 survey respondents. Findings revealed that knowledge and abilities they need to drive responsibly and make
most respondents were male, aged 16–18, single, and had 1–3 the community safer.
years of driving experience with a student driver's permit.
While most demonstrated complete knowledge of traffic signs,
B. METHODOLOGY
their knowledge level was not significantly related to their
driver's license category. Compliance with traffic laws was The primary tool for collecting data was a self-made
generally high, markedly influenced by the driver's license survey questionnaire based on Republic Act No. 4136, and
category and sex profiles of the respondents. Participants respondents were selected through purposive sampling. The
strongly supported integrating traffic safety education into the study used a descriptive research approach to assess senior
curriculum, especially regarding disaster risk reduction high school students' level of knowledge and compliance
management, prioritizing topics such as traffic rules, road with traffic signs, rules, and laws. The table shows the degree
signs, and penalties. They preferred practical training, of compliance and knowledge.
augmented by seminars, audiovisual presentations, and
workshops delivered by teachers, police officers, and Land
Level of Compliance
Transportation Office personnel. These findings underscore Level of Knowledge
the need for a structured, interactive traffic safety education Average Descriptive Level of
program to enhance students' understanding and compliance Score Rating Ranges Rate Compliance
with traffic laws, fostering safer driving behaviors and Fully Fully
reducing traffic-related risks. 17 - 20 Knowledgeable 4.20 - 5.00 5 Complied

Keywords— land transportation office (LTO), traffic safety 13 - 16 Knowledgeable 3.40 - 4.19 4 Complied
education (TSE), disaster risk reduction management (DRRM), Moderately Moderately
theoretical driving course (TDC) 9 -12 Knowledgeable 2.60 - 3.39 3 Complied
Low Slightly
5-8 Knowledge 1.80 - 2.59 2 Complied
Very Low Not
A. INTRODUCTION 1-4 Knowledge 1.00 - 1.79 1 Complied
Over 1.2 million people are killed in traffic accidents each year,
making them a serious public health issue and an obvious
manifestation of reckless driving (M. Barboza-Palomino et al., A qualitative research approach was used to gather the
2020). According to Michon (2020), two main reasons for these information required to create the suggested Traffic Safety
collisions are careless driving and a lack of knowledge about traffic Education (TSE) curriculum for seniors in high school. The
safety. These statistics show that to lower risks and save lives, principal, teachers, and student leaders from senior high
drivers must be aware of the most frequent reasons for collisions. school were among the participants. In-depth interviews were
Traffic education is one of the core tenets of traffic carried out to verify the participants' answers. The following
management. Its goal is to equip people with the knowledge and questions were the main emphasis of the interview:
skills to navigate public roads safely. This pillar aims to raise
• Do you agree that traffic education can be included
awareness among students and other road users so they can adopt
safer driving practices.
in your curriculum?

The Department of Education (DepEd) collaborated with the • What contents of the TSE program do you want to
Land Transportation Office (LTO), the leading organization in be taught?
charge of carrying out land transportation regulations in the • What methods are to be used in conducting traffic
Philippines, to incorporate road safety instruction into the updated safety education?
curriculum. This program aims to increase awareness and
encourage adherence to traffic laws among learners. • Who is the resource person for the TSE program?
In the province of Isabela, Governor Hon. Faustino G. Dy III • If you include traffic safety education in your
established the Road Safety Council in 2018. In 2019, 1,223 car curriculum, which subject do you integrate?
accidents were reported to the public safety agency in the province.
As a result, the newly elected provincial governor of Isabela, Hon. These questions encourage answers that can provide
Rodito T. Albano III, reconstituted the council in 2019 to oversee specific, helpful information about implementing TSE by
adherence to Republic Act No. 4136, generally known as the addressing the what and how of TSE and the who and where.
Philippine Land Transportation Code, and to reinforce road safety
programs in the province. C. OBJECTIVES
To the above background, the study aimed to:
 1. Determine the profile of the respondents in institutional capacities and integrate emergency
terms of: response, engineering, enforcement, and education.
a. age
The literature urges a multifaceted approach to TSE
b. sex that addresses institutional flaws, systemic gaps, and
c. civil status human problems to create a safer and more efficient
traffic management system.
d. Number of Years driving a
motorcycle/motor vehicle E. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
e. Driver’s License Category A. Age Distribution of the Respondents
2. determine the level of knowledge of respondents The table above shows only 1.7% of respondents
on road traffic signs; are older than 22, and 72.9% of respondents are
between the ages of 16 and 18. Additionally, 25.4% of
3. correlate the profile of the respondents with their respondents are between 19 and 21. This suggests that
level of knowledge of road traffic signs; most responders are between the ages of 16 and 18.
These results are consistent with A. Evangeline et al.
4. assess the level of compliance of the (2016) study emphasizes that this age group is a major
respondents with traffic rules and regulations; contributor to traffic accidents and a growing segment
5. correlate the profile of the respondents with their of new car owners. Given their influence on road safety
level of compliance with traffic rules and and their future driving responsibilities, this emphasizes
how crucial it is to teach young people about traffic
regulations, and safety education.
6. propose to develop traffic safety education
among senior high school students in the 1st
TABLE I. Age Distribution of the Respondents
District of Isabela.
Age Frequency Percentage
D. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 16-18 129 72.9
19-21 45 25.4
22 above 3 1.7
A key traffic management component is traffic Total 177 100
safety education (TSE), which trains drivers to reduce
and avoid traffic-related incidents. The literature
emphasizes the importance of TSE for improving road B. Gender Distribution of the Respondents
safety by addressing systemic, infrastructure, and
human behavior issues. According to the table, there were 24.9 percent
females and 71.1 percent males. The outcome suggests
English (2011) points out that ongoing driver that males made up the majority of the responses.
education is a significant weakness in traffic safety According to the observations and interviews, males
made up most of those who violated traffic laws and
programs. Nearly 34,000 people are killed in traffic- regulations, including those involved in accidents. In
related crashes each year despite attempts to improve their study, Johnson and Bassey (2017) discovered that
road systems and behavior. These crashes frequently males reported being involved in accidents significantly
involve preventable variables like speeding, more than women. One of the reasons is that males are
impairment, and failure to wear seatbelts. more mobile than women. In a similar study, Kassim et
Aghdam et al. (2020) divide traffic accidents into al. (2021) discovered that teenage drivers' gender is
road, vehicle, and human factors. Human behavior is linked to a high accident rate and that males are
the most erratic and significant of these, and generally more risk-taking than women.
motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians make major
contributions. This emphasizes the importance of TABLE 2. Gender Distribution of the Respondents
implementing TSE programs designed to address
human factors and lower accident rates. Gender Frequency Percentage
Male 133 71.1
According to S.M. Lee et al. (2018), improving C.
Female Civil Status 44
of the Respondents24.9
According to the177table, most respondents
Total 100 were single,
Civil Status Frequency Percentage equivalent to 97.7%, and only 2.3% were married. This is
Single 173 97.7 consistent with Taamneh's (2018) findings, which indicate
Married 4 2.3 that drivers' comprehension of traffic signs is significantly
Total 3.5 100
influenced by age, marital status, driving experience, and
educational background.
driver behavior is essential to a complete traffic safety TABLE 3. CIVIL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS
strategy. They support enforcement, education, training, D. Number of Years Driving
and strict licensing procedures as part of national
strategies. To provide a strong framework for traffic The results highlighted that 60.5% of respondents had
safety, they also emphasize how vital it is to improve between one and three years of driving experience, 30.5%
had four to six years, and only 9% had more than six years.
This suggests that the majority of responders are not very
experienced drivers. The findings are consistent with a study G. Correlation Between Profile Variables and Level of
by Umar and Bashir (2019) that discovered a favorable Knowledge of the Respondents on Road Traffic
correlation between a driver's driving experience and their Signs
knowledge of traffic signs, with more seasoned drivers
The results show that the respondents' profile variables
showing superior comprehension.
and their level of knowledge of traffic signs had weak
TABLE 4. Number of Years Driving negative relationships. Knowledge levels did not
significantly correlate with civil status (r = -0.056, p =
0.462), years of driving experience (r = -0.128, p = 0.089),
No. of Years Driving Frequency Percentage sex (r = -0.037, p = 0.627), or age group (r = -0.012, p =
1 - 3 Years 107 60.5 0.872). Reiterating that license type has no noticeable impact
4 - 6 Years 54 30.5 on traffic knowledge, the driver's license category showed a
6 years above 16 weak negative connection with knowledge levels (r = -0.210,
9
p = 0.005). These findings are consistent with Mustapha and
Total 100 Ibitoye (2022), who found that while age, gender, education,
177
driving experience, and license type all impacted knowledge
and compliance, they did not significantly correlate with
E. Driver’s License Category of the Respondents compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
The table shows that 59.9% of respondents have a student TABLE 7. Correlation Between Profile Variables and
driver's permit, 36.2% have a non-professional driver's Level of Knowledge of the Respondents on Road Traffic
license, and only 4% have a professional driver's license. Signs
According to Republic Act No. 4136, most respondents rely
on student driver's permits, which restrict students from
operating a motor vehicle on public highways without a duly Correlation
Variable Coefficient P-value*
licensed driver's supervision. According to Ahmad et al.
Age Group vs. Level of
(2019), driving without a legal license is a serious traffic Knowledge -0.012 .872
infraction that raises concerns regarding a lack of
understanding of traffic laws. Sex vs. Level of Knowledge -0.037 .627
Civil Status vs Level of
Knowledge -0.056 .462
No. of Years Driving vs.
Driver's License Category Frequency Percentage Level of Knowledge -0.128 .089
Driver's License Category vs
Student Permit 106 59.9 Level of Knowledge -0.21 .005*
Non-Professional 64 36.2
Professional 7 4 *Correlation significant at 0.05 level (2-tailed).
Total 177 100 H. Level of Compliance of the Respondents on Traffic
Rules and Regulations
TABLE 5. Driver’s License Category of the Respondents The respondents assessed traffic rules and regulations 1–
F. Level of Knowledge of the Respondents on Traffic 11 as "complied," while traffic rules and regulations 12 were
Safety rated as "moderately complied." The table indicates that the
respondents' overall level of compliance was "complied,"
The data show that most respondents (63.8%) are Age Gro
with a mean score of 3.91. It suggests that most respondents Sex vs.
classified as "fully knowledgeable" about road traffic rules, follow traffic laws and regulations, although some fell short Civil Sta
with scores ranging from 17 to 20. Additionally, 28.8% were of complying completely. The actual observation carried out No. of y
"knowledgeable" (scores 13–16), 4% were "moderately at the three schools confirmed this finding. Some of the Driver’s
knowledgeable" (scores 9–12), 2.8% were "slightly respondents did not follow the traffic laws and guidelines. Complia
knowledgeable" (scores 5–8), and only 0.6% were "not According to Mauhibah et al. (2017), a driver has a six-times
knowledgeable" (scores 1-4). These results highlight that higher likelihood of being more obedient if they have a high
most respondents demonstrate a high knowledge of road level of traffic knowledge compared to a motorist who has a
traffic rules. low level of expertise, and the knowledge variable has a
This finding echoes the study by Jothula and substantial impact on traffic compliance.
Sreeharshika (2021), which observed that while over half of TABLE 8. Level of Compliance of the Respondents on
the participants (58.3%) demonstrated adequate knowledge Traffic Rules and Regulations
of road safety regulations, there remains a pressing need to
raise awareness, given the rise in road traffic accidents Descriptio
(RTAs). For instance, in Metro Manila alone, the Metro Indicators Mean n
Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported nearly 1. Following the "keep right rule" 4.09 Complied
58,000 road crashes in 2022, averaging 157 incidents daily. 2. Following the speed limit for safety
Alarming figures have also been noted for the first seven purposes 3.93 Complied
months of this year, with 44,493 road crashes reported from 3. Proper parking to avoid obstruction of
January to July, averaging 211 incidents daily. This trend traffic way 3.98 Complied
highlights the urgent need for increased public awareness and 4. No overtaking when there is an upcoming
education on road safety measures. vehicle in the left lane 3.97 Complied
5. Giving way to intersections during traffic
TABLE 6. Level of Knowledge of the Respondents on congestion 3.92 Complied
Traffic Safety 6. Giving way to pedestrians and yielding in a
loading and unloading area 3.9 Complied
7. Reduce
Score speed in a sharp curving lane
Frequency 4.03 Complied
Percentage
8. No counter
1-4 flowing and keep
1 distance 0.6
during
5-8 traffic congestions 5 3.88
2.8 Complied
9. Use signal light before maneuvering
9 - 12 7 to the 4
right/left
13 - 16 51 4.10
28.8 Complied
10.17
No- 20
driving while under113the influence of 63.8
 I. Correlation Between Profile Variables and Level of K. Summary of Findings
Compliance of the Respondents on Traffic Rules
and Regulations The majority of respondents were male, between the
ages of 16 and 18, unmarried, and had one to three years of
The findings indicate a low correlation between the driving experience, according to the study's summary.
respondents' profile factors and their degree of compliance Furthermore, most respondents surveyed had an LTO-issued
with traffic rules and regulations. Compliance was not student driver's permit. The fact that the respondents drove a
substantially correlated with age group (r = 0.006, p = car to school without a legal driver's license is concerning.
0.935), years of driving experience (r = -0.119, p = 0.114), The majority scored in the range of 17 to 20, comparable to
or civil status (r = -0.069, p = 0.359). There were having full knowledge of traffic signs. The type of driver's
statistically significant weak negative correlations (r = - license and awareness of traffic rules did not significantly
0.161, p = 0.032) and weak positive correlations (r = 0.185, correlate. Respondents mostly complied with traffic
p = 0.014) between the driver's license category, sex, and regulations. Participants strongly supported the addition of
degree of compliance. According to these findings, there is TSE in the curriculum, particularly in the Disaster Risk
no clear predictive association, even though the sex and Reduction and Management (DRRM) course. Preferred TSE
driver's license categories have some bearing on compliance topics: traffic rules, road signs, and fines and penalties.
levels. Preferred teaching methods: practical training, seminars,
audiovisual presentations, and workshops. Preferred
TABLE 8. Correlation Between Profile Variables and Level resource persons: Land Transportation Office personnel,
of Compliance of The Respondents on Traffic Rules and teachers, and police officers.
Regulations
*Correlation significant at 0.05 level (2-tailed). L. Conclusions
J. Traffic Safety Education Program Among Senior The study's summary of data led to the conclusion that
High School Students in the 1st District of Isabela, the respondents' knowledge level does not significantly
Philippines correlate with their profile variables except for the driver's
license category. Among the variables, only the sex and
The research findings reveal significant support for driver's license categories have some bearing on compliance
incorporating TSE into senior high school curricula, with 52 levels. Strengthening adherence to traffic laws and
out of 55 participants agreeing on its inclusion. However, addressing the inappropriate usage of student driving
school principals emphasized TSE's importance in fostering permits was urgently needed. The strong support for
responsible road behavior and improving safety. integrating traffic safety education into the curriculum for
senior high school students in the 1 st District of Isabela,
According to the participants, "traffic rules" is the most Philippines, emphasizes the importance of fostering road
important topic, followed by "road traffic signs" and "fines safety awareness through practical training and expert-led
and penalties," underscoring the need to have a basic instruction. Schools can better prepare students for
understanding of traffic safety. The primary approach to responsible road use by implementing such a program and
teaching TSE was found to be practical training; however, contributing to community-wide safety improvements.
seminars and audiovisual materials were also suggested as
strategies for delivering the topics. Given the requirement M. Recommendations
for specific and valuable knowledge in TSE delivery,
participants named the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as In light of the conclusions, the following were recommended:
their top resource provider, followed by educators and law
enforcement. Incorporating TSE within the Disaster Risk  Schools offering senior high schools in the first district of
Reduction Management (DRRM) course was recommended Isabela are recommended to integrate traffic safety education in
their curriculum, not a separate subject. Still, it will be
by most participants (71%), along with physical education, incorporated under the DRRM subject.
work immersion, and community involvement. Overall,
these results highlighted the importance of TSE in shaping  It is recommended that the resource persons who deliver the
safer road users and provided a roadmap for effective topics are personnel from LTO, Teachers, and Police Officers.
implementation strategies, content, and delivery methods.  We recommend audiovisual presentations, seminars, and
practical training to deliver the topics on TSE.
TABLE 9. Proposed Traffic Safety Education Program
 The TSE program should concentrate on traffic rules, road traffic
signs, and fines and penalties to address non-compliance with
ACTIVITIES OBJECTIVES traffic rules and regulations, particularly "driving without a
Incorporation of TSE program in To institutionalize the TSE program in the senior
valid driver's license."
the DRRM subject of the senior high school curriculum
high school students in 1st
district in Isabela, Philippines ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To serve as ready references on TSE
Development and distribution of
module on TSE
Conduct lectures that focus on To provide students with knowledge of traffic The researcher deeply thanks Sta's school principals,
traffic rules and regulations rules, licensing, vehicle registration, and proper faculty, and senior high school students. Maria High
use of vehicle accessories.
Conduct lectures that focus on To demonstrate the use and functions of
School, Rodito B. Albano Stand Alone Senior High
road traffic signs. essential tools that convey information, warn of School, and San Pablo National High School for their
hazards, and guide students to ensure smoother invaluable support and cooperation during this research
traffic flow and reduce accident risks.
Conduct lectures that focus on To ensure that the students understand the
study. Your active participation has been instrumental in
traffic violation fines and consequences of violating traffic laws and the
penalties importance of adhering to them
Conduct theoretical driving The Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) provides
course in coordination with LTO, essential knowledge, promotes safe driving
Philippine National Police, and habits, and builds confidence, serving as a
Teachers foundation for practical driving and a
requirement for a student driver's permit.
advancing sustainable traffic safety education for senior
Seongkwan Mark Lee et al 2018. Development of a New Traffic Safety
high school students in Isabela, Philippines. Thank you for Education Material for Future Drivers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
your commitment and dedication to this meaningful
initiative. Ibrahim Khalil Umar et al. 2019. Comprehension of Road Traffic Signs
by Various Road Users in Kano City

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