How Can Saudi Arabia Improve Policy to Reduce RTAs Mortality and Morbidity - Research Proposal Example

How can Saudi Arabia Improve Policy to Reduce RTAs Mortality and Morbidity? Research Summary Road traffic accidents have become a problem in the developing and developed economies. Saudi Arabia has introduced numerous policies and regulations, but the effectiveness of these policies is questionable because of the increasing number of accidents. Understanding the perceptions and views of the citizens and other stakeholders are important in proposing appropriate policies to address the challenge. The purpose of the research is determining the variables and policies that can be reviewed and integrated into championing road safety. Identification of factors contributing to the problem is among the appropriate measures to formulate mitigation strategies. The research topic is “How can Saudi Arabia improve policy in order to reduce road traffic accidents mortality and morbidity” Some of the variables discussed include the role of human, the environmental conditions, and the nature of the roads among other variables. The information collected is based on perceptions and also based on current studies and interventions. The Saudi Arabia understands the significance of these threats to the development of the region and the state has introduced and implemented numerous safety measures and promotional campaigns. The current research is aimed at strengthening the deliberations of the Saudi Arabia government through recommending modern and appropriate policies. It is also crucial to note that the world is changing, and the driving/road requirements are changing. Hence, using the most recent view and data are appropriate for the creation of information views of the future of road safety and reducing or eliminating road accidents. Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a nonfatal or fatal injury incurred due to a collision on the road involving individuals and a moving vehicle. The most vulnerable users of the roads are the elderly, cyclists, pedestrians and children (af Wåhlberg, Dorn and Kline 2010). The number of RTAs fluctuates across the world because of numerous variables ranging from policies to perceptions of the citizens. For example, Saudi Arabia attracts different people annually because of tourism and business related activities. The number of accidents is increasing and may be attributed to many factors. Saudi Arabia is suffering from RTAs as it is causing more than 7,000 deaths, 34,000 injured every year. Also, Saudi Arabia loses more than 20 billion Saudi Riyals every year because of RTAs. A recent report by the Ministry of health is Saudi Arabia shows that 30% of hospital beds are occupied by injured people from RTAs and some of them turn to be handicapped which increases the burden to the Saudi government. According to world health organization (WHO), RTAs are the third cause of deaths in Saudi Arabia. RTAs are taking high place in the Saudi government priorities. Although that Saudi Department of traffic implemented a policy which was accredited by the Saudi King on 2009 aiming to reduce RTAs and introduced speed cameras in the three main cities (Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam), but the number of RTAs still high until now. In analyzing and studying road traffic accidents, four categories are commonly employed (Bhalla et al., 2009). The four categories are environmental factors, road factors, vehicle factors and human factors. For example, the human factors may include speeding, use of mobile phones and other behaviors and actions of humans. WHO aims to reduce the number of accidents through championing the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020) campaign. Saudi Arabia should tie their policies within the international framework because of level of expertise and other supportive structures (Johansson 2009). The Council of Ministers in Saudi Arabia understands the costs of traffic accidents and has formulated a policy to guide in reducing the number and costs of accidents (Cheng, Shan and Zhuang 2011). The National Strategic Plan for Traffic Safety policy and campaign aims to reduce the number of accidents through engaging different stakeholders in understanding the significance of perception change towards encouraging safety at the roads (Elvik, 2010). Different countries across the world have formulated and implemented policies even though the success of these policies is questionable. However, the important approach is engagement with different stakeholders in ensuring the society and communities understand and appreciate championing safety on the roads (Sánchez-Mangas 2010). The effectiveness of the prevention strategy alone is not appropriate, but mitigation strategies should be included when accidents occur. For example, providing emergency assistance and reporting the accidents reduce the impact of accidents. The nature of provision of the emergency accident is also important because transportation of the accidents victims may determine the effectiveness of medication provision. Therefore, education and awareness on emergency safety and provision are important in reducing complications associated with safety and health. Research Question / Aim & Objectives Any research should have both the research and aim of the research: Research question The research question is: How can Saudi Arabia improve policy to reduce RTAs mortality and morbidity? The number of accidents reported is increasing and numerous reasons can be associated with the ineffectiveness of the policies. Understanding the reasons, drivers/road users’ perception enables determination of strategies to address the problem. Aim and Objectives To determine the common factors, that contribute to occurrence of accidents – these factors may be human errors, road structure, environmental conditions or nature of the roads (Andersson and Chapman 2011) Reviewing current policy and levels of implementation – different approaches exist which informs on policy and understanding these policies are important in developing appropriate measures to address the problem (Sarabi and Moosavi 2010). Exploration of factors that influence the implementation of policies – policy implementation cannot occur in vacuum. The forcing and supporting factors have to be analysed to integrate into the implementation process of the policies (Mansuri et al. 2015). Proposing strategies and adjustments to supplement the current promotions – the paper would conclude through presentation of recommendations that should be integrated into the policy formulation and implementation (Wang, Quddus and Ison 2009). It also recommends on some of the stakeholders involved in the entire process of reduction of accidents associated with traffic. Research methods Methodology defines the method in which the data is collected. Different methodologies exist but for the purpose of this research, the appropriate one is quantitative (Clarke et al. 2010). The quantitative approach is appropriate because it provides means and measures of comparison with previously reviews on accidents. In addition, the data will be presented graphically meaning that the information can be understood easily. Sampling Strategy For the purpose of current research, the targeted samples are people who have driven in Saudi Arabia and the citizens of Saudi Arabia (Larsson, Dekker and Tingvall 2010). In addition, persons who have never driven but live in Saudi Arabia. The approach is to encourage information on perception and actual experience on the road. The strategy is also aimed at reducing the number of respondents and improves the quality of the feedback (Andersson and Chapman 2011). Since, the questionnaire will be posted online; many people will access the questionnaire and may provide inappropriate information. Hence, the restrictions are targeted to address such challenges. Methodology and Data Collection The instrument used to collect the information will be a closed-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire will contain different questions that aim to understand the respondent (Johansson 2009). For example, demographic data and the geographical region will be included to determine whether these variables influence the perception of the respondents (Phillips, Ulleberg and Vaa 2011). The strategy is to collect inform from diverse respondents: the approach is to ensure different ideas and perspectives can be incorporated into understanding the content of the data. The method of distribution of the questionnaire will be through Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey is an online platform in which questionnaires are posted, and conditions are set for the respondents. Furthermore, Survey Monkey has internal tools and techniques which can be used to collate and analyze the collected information. Another advantage of the online survey is fast, cheaper and accesses a wider sample base. The shortcoming of the Survey Monkey includes lack of appropriate resources including computers to fill the questionnaire. Moreover, people will not be aware of the research and may receive a minimal response from the targeted population. The utilization of the Survey Monkey and the qualitative method are to ensure the appropriate information that aligns with objectives and aims are achieved. The strategy is to improve the quality and credibility of the collected data, and the information can provide effective conclusions. The sampling technique and associated measures will ensure the data collected is informative and reflects the views and perceptions in Saudi Arabia. The second source of data is from the government records and data. ROUTIN DATA from Ministry of Interior presents numerous statistics on the number of accidents and the reasons or causes of the accidents. It incorporates information from different locations meaning that analysis can be done easily to determine regions which are prone to accidents and the reasons associated with occurrence of the accidents. The data also provides an understanding on the effectiveness of campaigns and strategies that the government has implement in addressing number of accidents. Data Analysis After collection of the data, the data will be analyzed through the use of statistical tools. Some of the analysis will be based on mean, median and standard deviation. For example, the data from the Ministry of Interior will be compared with bt6he data collected from the Survey Monkey. Through this process, it is possible to determine whether there is a correlation between the data (Naci, Chisholm and Baker 2009). In addition, graphical representation will be used because it is easier to compare the information. Charts, graphs and tables will be used to compare the collected information (Clarke et al. 2010). Through statistical analysis, appropriate policy directive can be embrace to advance the requirements of reducing or eliminating traffic accidents. Analysis & Quality Assurance Numerous data analysis techniques and presentation would be used to ensure the views of the respondents are understood (Larsson, Dekker and Tingvall 2010). Mean and standard deviations will be used to analyze the data to determine whether relationships exist between or among the collected information. In addition, a pilot study will be done to determine whether the questionnaire was drafted accordingly and whether the respondents would fill the questionnaire easily. The pilot study is aimed at reducing errors and bias through analyzing the effectiveness of the questionnaire. Validity, reliability, trustworthiness and generalisable are important terminologies in advancing the quality assurance fundamentals (Mansuri et al., 2015). Validity refers to the extent in which a research accurately assesses or reflects the concept that has to be answered. Reliability is the accuracy of the entire procedure and measuring instrument. The validity requirement is achieved through effectively designing the questionnaire and defining the sample (Elvik 2010). The reliability will be employed throughout the research. It starts from posting the questionnaire to analyzing the data. For example, double checking will be done before posting any information and doing double analyzed to authenticate the analysis requirements. Advancing the validity and reliability ensures the results would be trusted and is generalizable or transferable. Ethical issues & risks The researcher will adhere and adheres to the requirements of ethical and moral considerations while carrying out the research and analysis of the information. The reliability and validity requirements can be discussed, but the role of the researcher is important to the entire process. For example, the researcher may manipulate the data to suit predetermined goals (Naci, Chisholm and Baker 2009). Therefore, the researcher will adhere to ethical and moral obligations. The researcher ensures that plagiarism and ‘non-academic’ practices are not integrated into the study. It includes taking information without appropriate consent and using the information inappropriately. Therefore, the academic requirements would be encouraged throughout the study. The respondents are important to the success of the entire research. The method used is an online platform meaning that ethical and moral obligations should be encouraged (Cheng, Shan and Zhuang 2011). The researcher will inform the respondents of the significance of privacy, confidentiality and the right to opt out of the study. Before filling the questionnaire, information will be presented to the respondents to accept the terms including information on privacy and confidentiality (Andersson and Chapman 2011). If the respondent feels that privacy and confidentiality information are not addressed conclusively, the respondent may decide not to fill the questionnaire. Therefore, consent is important in changing ethical and moral obligations. Moreover, the researcher will define the limits of the data and the extent in which the information will be used. For example, the researcher will state the purpose is to accomplish academic requirements. References af Wåhlberg, A.E., Dorn, L. and Kline, T., 2010. The effect of social desirability on self-reported and recorded road traffic accidents. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, vol. 13, no. 2, pp.106-114. Andersson, A.K. and Chapman, L., 2011. The impact of climate change on winter road maintenance and traffic accidents in West Midlands, UK. Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 284-289. Bhalla, K., Naghavi, M., Shahraz, S., Bartels, D. and Murray, C.J.L., 2009. Building national estimates of the burden of road traffic injuries in developing countries from all available data sources: Iran. Injury Prevention, vol. 15, no. 3, pp.150-156. 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