Advisers

Irene D. Gaviola, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Most traffic accidents are not solely caused by lack of driving knowledge but by the decisions drivers make behind the wheel, with approximately 94% of road accidents attributed to human error. Despite existing national laws and local ordinances, road crash incidents in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City remain high, particularly those involving property damage and physical injury. This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors contributing to road accidents in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City, by examining the perspectives of various road users and proposing recommendations to minimize risks and enhance road safety. It assessed respondents’ profiles in terms of age, sex, educational attainment, and years of driving/service; evaluated human, environmental, and mechanical factors; determined significant differences in assessments when grouped according to profile; identified challenges encountered; and proposed possible solutions. The respondents consisted of 50 individuals: 35 motor vehicle drivers, 5 police officers, 5 MMDA personnel, and 5 Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) officers from Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. The study used purposive sampling and employed a quantitative descriptive research design. The researchers submitted a letter requesting permission to conduct the study addressed to the Barangay Chairman through his Secretary and to the Station Commander of Police Station 5, Quezon City. Upon approval, they conducted a briefing to explain the objectives and provide instructions on answering the survey questionnaire. After the orientation, the questionnaires were distributed, collected, and the data were tallied, analyzed, and interpreted. Findings revealed that most respondents were aged 18–25 years, male, college level, and had 10 years and above of service. Human factors (3.67), mechanical factors (3.60), and environmental factors (3.54) were assessed as “Strongly Agree.” The top challenges identified were poor road infrastructure and maintenance, mechanical vehicle failures, and insufficient street lighting. The study recommends strengthening safe driving practices, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, community-based road safety programs, infrastructure improvements, and continued research to enhance road safety strategies in Barangay Commonwealth.

Keywords

environmental factors, road safety, quezon city, Barangay Commonwealth, traffic accidents, human error, human factors, mechanical factors