This paper presents the results of a research study undertaken at Kuwait University to investigate the driver non-compliance with traffic control devices (TCDs) in Kuwait. Specifically, the study was aimed to quantify non-compliance for: STOP signs and YIELD signs at a selected number of intersection sites in Kuwait. At each selected site, driver non-compliance with TCD was person observed and recorded during both the peak and off peak periods. Data on road inventory was also collected along with the non-compliance information to investigate the effects of road geometry on non-compliance. A number of sites in all the six Governorates in Kuwait were surveyedusing pre-tested survey forms. Over 60% of the drivers were found to be full-non-compliant to the stop-control while smaller insignificant 3% drivers were found to be in full-compliance to the stop-control signs at 4-way intersections. Results of a questionnaire survey of the drivers randomly chosen in selected areas to investigate their traffic law awareness and their self reported compliance with traffic rules are also presented in the paper. Driver interview surveys undertaken during the survey period at sites near the selected intersections have also indicated lack of knowledge and/or acceptance of these types of controls on the streets. A number of recommendations are made to improve the driver compliance with the TCDs in order to enhance the road traffic safety in Kuwait.
Abstract