Human errors self-reported by automobilists from bahia blanca, Argentina
Authors
Paola Buedo
Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica. Investigadora Grupo Interdisciplinario para el Estudio de Colisiones Viales (GIECOV), Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca,
Pedro Silberman
Médico. Magíster en Salud Pública. Coordinador Grupo Interdisciplinario para el Estudio de Colisiones Viales (GIECOV), Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca
Daiana Mujica
Becaria Grupo Interdisciplinario para el Estudio de Colisiones Viales (GIECOV), Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca
Objective: To describe the types of errors reported by drivers who commuted in the city of Bahia Blanca between September 2014 and April 2015.
Method: Quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sample was defined, and a structured digital survey, based on the Spanish-translated version of the “Driver Behaviour Questionnaire”, was constructed and then validated using the Delphi method. Data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software. Results: Of the automobilists surveyed, 30% reported having nearly colliding with a bicycle or motorcycle while making a turn; 36.3% said they have had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision because they were distracted and did not realize the vehicle in front of them had slowed down; and 25.3% had forgotten to use the turn signal before turning or changing lanes. In addition, only 80-2% of respondents always wear a seat belt; 11-4% do not respect red lights; 43.9% use their phones while driving; and 22.9% admit driving while intoxicated over the legal alcohol limit. Finally, 38% report being impatient and accelerating out of a traffic light, while 62.7% have riskily passed a slower vehicle, due to impatience. Conclusions: Driving an automobile is a complex situation that requires multiple skills and, most fundamentally, a sense of respect and solidarity with other drivers, coupled with punitive control of serious yet preventable human errors.
Buedo, P., Silberman, P., & Mujica, D. (2017). Human errors self-reported by automobilists from bahia blanca, Argentina. Revista Chilena De Salud Pública, 21(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-5281.2017.47655
