Everyday journeys, everyday risks: examining adolescent road safety knowledge, practices and perceptions in Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents represent a high-risk group for road traffic injuries, particularly in rapidly motorising cities in India. This study aimed to document the travel patterns and understand the road safety knowledge, practices and safety perceptions of adolescents during their school commutes in Delhi, India.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with students from four public schools. Schools were selected based on proximity to high-crash road segments, and all eligible students were invited to participate. A questionnaire was administered via the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool within the school premises between December 2023 and February 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics and outcomes, and χ2 tests were used to assess associations between various factors and adolescent road safety knowledge.

RESULTS

A total of 4789 adolescents aged 10-19 participated in the survey. Household vehicle ownership was 66%, with 85% owning motorised two-wheelers. Walking was the predominant mode of transport (77% males, 38% females), followed by cycling and public bus. The prevalence of helmet and seatbelt use was low among those who travelled on motorised two-wheelers and cars, respectively. Most participants reported feeling safe (males 70%, females 65%), yet many also reported fears of crashes, speeding vehicles, robbery and harassment. Knowledge of road safety signage was poor.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the urgent need for interventions that combine education, infrastructure improvements, enforcement and gender-sensitive approaches. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and leveraging school-based platforms can help embed adolescent-friendly road safety planning in India's broader road injury prevention agenda.