PERCEPTION OF RESIDENTS AND DRIVERS

ON THE RISKS AND SAFETY OF THE

MAMBAJAO CEMETERY CURVE ROAD

CASE STUDY TO BE PRESENTED TO

ENGR. RENATO MAGLASANG JR.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT TO THE COURSE

CE-23 (Transportation Engineering)

CUIZON, NIKKO S.
DANTES, IAN MARI
DIAZ, CHRISTIAN TROI A.
GONZALES, ED PHILIPPE V.
UY, JUSTIN G.

MAY 2019
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who impart us the
possibility to complete this research project.

A huge gratitude to our Almighty Father for guiding our minds and giving us
strength in doing our research.

A special appreciation we give to our research adviser, Engr. Renato Maglasang

Jr., for allowing us to have this opportunity to conduct our study. For his contribution in
stimulating suggestions and encouragement, and most of all, his awesome patience.

In performing our study, we had to take help in manpower of some friends, who
deserve our outmost gratitude. The survey would have required a huge amount of work and
time, but through the help of our esteemed friends and colleagues, the study was made
possible. The implementation, still, would not have been possible if we did not have the
support of our parents, financially and spiritually.

In addition, we would also like to thank Engr. Verben Siega, an engineer 2 from
the planning and design section of DPWH, who provided insight and expertise that greatly
assisted the research.

We would also like to give a special appreciation to Mrs. Marianne Diaz, for
sharing her pearls of wisdom with us during the course of this research. We are immensely
grateful for her comments and corrections on an earlier version of our manuscript and for
helping us to compute the data we have gathered.

And to our respondents, the residents and the drivers, we would like to express our
sincere thanks for sparing us their time in answering the questionnaires honestly and
patiently.

To each of these and to others we may have failed to mention, our sincere thanks
and appreciation.
 ABSTRACT

The Mambajao cemetery curve road has become an accident-prone area with

periodic accidents, mostly fatal crashes, recurrently taking place according to police

records. This study is focused on determining the extent of agreement on the risk factors

in the curve road in terms of the road design & technicalities and the driver’s characteristics

through the perception of the residents and the drivers. The researchers selected 30

respondents each from residents and drivers using snowball sampling under the scoped

area which is in in Tomas Oppus street covering the coastal/cemetery street at the side of

barangay Mambajao up to the curve road and then back to the main highway. The data was

collected using the self-administered questionnaires. Data was then analyzed using

descriptive design. The risk factors in terms of driver’s characteristics from both the

resident’s and driver’s perspective were agreed to a large extent specifically with drivers

who are drunk and drugged. Therefore, based on the findings, the curve road itself became

hazardous, not mainly because of its design and technicalities but because of drivers’

behavior in driving. The findings can also be used a basis in giving awareness to residents

and drivers about driving through the curve road.

 TABLE CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
ABSTRACT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLES v

CHAPTER 1 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Significance of the Study 3
Scope and Delimitations 5

CHAPTER II 6
REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES
Related Literature and Studies 6
Theoretical Framework 10
Conceptual Framework 11
Definition of Terms 12

CHAPTER III 14
METHODOLOGY
Research Design 14
Respondents of the Study 14
Locale of the Study 15
Research Instruments 15
Data Gathering Procedure 16
CHAPTER IV 17
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

CHAPTER V 36
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings 36
Conclusion 39
Recommendation 40

Bibliography 41

Appendices
A. Questionnaire 42
B. Curriculum Vitae 46

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Number Page
1 Age of residents 19
2 Gender of residents 20
3 Location of residency 20
4 Years of residency 21
5 Accident witness 22
6 Knowledge of accidents (resident’s perspective) 23
7 Severity of accidents (resident’s perspective) 24
8 Age of drivers 25
9 Gender of drivers 26
10 Preference of passing the route 27
11 Type of vehicle 28
12 Accident experience 29
13 Knowledge of accidents (driver’s perspective) 30
14 Severity of accidents (driver’s perspective) 31

LIST OF TABLES
Table Number Page
1 Resident’s perspective: Risk factors 32
2 Driver’s perspective: Risk factors 33
 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In countries like the Philippines, roads play an important part in transportation

considering it is the main reason why traveling has become easier. Highway Engineering

is a branch of civil engineering which tackles about planning, design, construction,

operation and the likes of roads, bridges, and tunnels which makes sure that transportation

of people and goods are safe and effective. Highway engineers strive to predict and analyze

all possible civil impacts of highway systems.

Road curves are the bends in roads or highways which bring a gradual change of

direction. Curves are designed into the roadways and highways for various reasons. The

main reasons that you find curves is to either try to avoid a large obstacle, or to reduce the

steepness, or grade, of the roadway on a hill. Horizontal curves are those that change the

alignment or direction of the road (as opposed to vertical curves, which change the slope).

The highway follows the line of least resistance. In many instances, this means that

it finds valleys between mountains, and follows that land which tends to keep it on the

same level over a long period. Also, the highway may turn to avoid some obstacle, such as

a mountain range or a piece of property that the City or State could not buy. Roads try not

to go directly through someone’s land unless it is owned by the government. All of these

are reasons why curve roads are built.

Particularly in the City of Maasin, road curves exist. Its land area composes of

mountain ranges and of small and steep roads. Along the years, engineers have designed
and constructed roads for the city that could devise a safe and harmonious line of traffic

but some are left out. Some of these roads are in the coastal and mountainous areas of the

city. Though traffic isn’t particularly heavy in these roads but some are poorly designed

like the curve road in Brgy. Mambajao in the cemetery area near the coast.

Highways play an important role of transportation; good design can lead to low

risks. But it always boils down to the driver’s awareness, that’s why it is necessary to know

and understand the risks that could occur in this particular area based on the perspective of

the residents living near the curve road and the drivers that drives through the curve road,

and what are the possible solutions that can be implemented to improve the road’s safety.
Statement of the Problem

The Mambajao cemetery curve road is found to be an Accident-Prone Area. Based

on the Maasin City Police Station, number of casualties are recorded on the curve road,

mainly death cases. Numerous risk factors are also found by the researchers in the area,

and as it becomes more hazardous, it is right for the study to go further in assessing its risks

and safety through the respondents’ perception on the area.

The study seeks to answer the following the questions:

 What is the perception of the respondents on the risks and safety of the curve

road? (Is the road safe or unsafe?)

 To what extent of agreement are the risk factors being a probable cause of

accidents?

Significance of the Study

The study helps to further analyze the risk and safety of the curve through the

respondent’s perception. Furthermore, to study the risk factors that are present in the area.

The result of the study will benefit the following:

Vehicle Drivers. The result of the study will help drivers including motor single

drivers, passenger vehicle drivers, four-wheel drivers, and even large vehicle drivers be

more cautious and careful in driving the curve road. They are also made to be aware of the

different problems that will occur in the road. This will lessen a percentage of accidents

especially motor single drivers.

 General Public. The result of the study will help the public be aware of risks that

will occur in the road. They are affected because there are people residing along the curve

road.

Researchers. The results of this study may also be helpful to other researchers who

are conducting highway risk assessments using residents’ and drivers’ perceptions. The

theories used in this study will serve as guide to future researchers on its application at

local level.
Scope and Delimitation

The study is focused on determining the extent of agreement on the risk factors in

the curve road as perceived by the respondents. The risk factors include the different

problems found and agreed by the researchers in terms of the design of road and its

technicalities and the driver’s characteristics.

The study utilized descriptive research design using checklists and survey. The

study was started by gathering data through survey from the general public (i.e. the

residents living near the curve road), common drivers (i.e. tricycle drivers). Actual visits

to the site and interviews was conducted to determine the methodologies and strategies as

well as other specifications of the possible assessment of safety and risk in the curve road.

The study was conducted on 2018-2019.

 Chapter II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

This chapter presents the literatures and studies review by the researchers from

different sources which contains the same study. This review was conducted in order to

achieve and gain relevant information relative to the problem under study.

Related Literature and Studies

The main objective of the research, Road Curve Evaluation Based on Road

View Perception Study by Lidia Zakowska (January 1, 1999), was to investigate the

perception of road curves, which is related directly to road safety, and in particular to test

two experimental research methods used for road view evaluation and to evaluate the effect

of visual information from static and dynamic road views on drivers’ perception of road

curves. An experiment was conducted to test and design road visualization techniques. The

major results of this experiment concern curve perception, which is a crucial design

element according to existing theory. Based both on still pictures and on motion road

views, this experiment shows that drivers are able to discriminate different levels of

curvature and angle of curves and that perception of curvature is more sensitive to

geometric curve properties for a dynamic presentation than for a static presentation.

As stated in the research, Safety improvements and driver perception by David

Mahalel and Zvi Szternfeld (July 16, 2002), that simplification of the driving task increases

safety might be misleading. Driver confidence in the system may then be increased and

driving task difficulties may be underestimated. The overall effect is a degradation in driver

performance which is due to a poorer detection of relevant cues and to poorer criteria. This

degradation ultimately leads to an increase in accidents.

 The research, The role of attention in horizontal curves: A comparison of advance

warning, delineation, and road marking treatments by Samuel G Charlton (January 10,

2007), states that horizontal curves have been recognized as a significant safety issue for

many years, a more important factor than road width or sight distance. The research

literature suggests that driver errors associated with horizontal curves result from three

inter-related problems: failures of driver attention, misperceptions of speed and curvature,

and poor lane positioning. To examine the roles of attentional, perceptual, and lane

placement factors in driver behavior at curves, two groups of curve treatments were

identified for testing with a driving simulator. The first group of treatments consisted of

four combinations of warning signs designed to alert drivers to the presence of curves and

produce a reduction in curve approach speeds. The second group was comprised of several

types of road markings designed to affect drivers’ speed and lane position as they drove

through curves. The results indicated that advance warning signs by themselves were not

as effective at reducing speeds as when they were used in conjunction with chevron sight

boards and/or repeater arrows. A treatment combining the herringbones treatment with

chevron and repeater arrow signs produced both a reliable reduction in speed as well as

improved lane positions. The results are interpreted as evidence that treatments that

highlight perceptual cues are the most effective means of moderating drivers’ curve speeds.

A recent research, Vision, Visibility, and Perception in Driving by Brian L. Hills

(April 1, 1980), is reviewed and its implications discussed. ‘On-the-Spot’ accident

investigations have confirmed that errors of perception by the driver are a major

contributory factor to accidents. However, the available evidence suggests that few of these

are attributable to reduced or defective vision, since at best only a weak relationship has
been found between a driver's level of vision (or visual performance) and his accident rate.

A number of reasons for this general finding are considered, including driver

compensation. For all drivers, the rapid fall in visual acuity with angular distance from the

center of vision presents particular problems, giving special significance to eye-movement

patterns and the problems of visual search. Numerous physical and psychophysical

restrictions on visibility could lead to the ‘looked, but failed to see’ type of accident, but

their relative importance requires evaluation. There is now much evidence that the driver

is quite often operating beyond his visual or perceptual capabilities in a number of key

driving situations, including overtaking, joining or crossing a high-speed road, and a

number of nighttime situations. It is concluded that ‘expectancy’, based on experience in

both the long and the short term, has a profound influence on driver perception and

assessment of risk. Thus, despite his limitations and fallibilities, the average driver is

involved in surprisingly few serious incidents, particularly in view of the rapid rate of

decision-making that is required.

This study, Risks of road transportation in a psychological perspective by Ola

Svenson (July 18, 2002), gives a review of the literature and psychological facts which

may explain why the individual driver and modern society seem willing to accept higher

risks in road transportation than in most other activities. Risky driving behavior may

depend on (a) a driver's overestimation of his driving skill in a particular situation, (b) his

conscious decision to drive under high risk or (c) his failure to perceive risk in a particular

situation. It is pointed out that different means must be used in order to affect a change in

these factors, mainly, training programs, the spread of information to change drivers'

attitudes towards traffic risks, and environmental design changes to subjective risk. The
importance of these factors, and of alcohol intoxication and imitative behavior for risk

taking, is discussed. Comparisons of the estimated risks of different transportation systems

and other risk sources are discussed. If the responsibility can be attributed to individual

risk takers, as in car driving, society is willing to accept higher risk levels.
Theoretical Framework

The study is anchored to two theories of road safety; Systematic Theory (Hadon,

1950) and Behavioral Theory (Wilde, 1980). These theories discuss the systems of design

of roads and the behavioral factor of humans (drivers) in dealing with risk factors in roads.

The main assumption of the systemic theory is that accidents result from failure to

adjust when the components of the safety system interact. According to the theory none of

the elements can be considered more important than the others. People make mistakes, but

why? The answer offered by the systematic theory is; mistakes are made because of the

system has the wrong design and does not match human abilities. Consequently, this theory

combines information from individual accidents and creates an area of knowledge on the

system and its stability, because the individual layers of the system increase the risk of an

accident.

The basic assumption of the behavioral theory is how people assess risk and accept

it as a very important determining factor of accidents. Human recklessness is a major

problem in accidents. There is no doubt that road safety relies on the successes of road

safety programs. The more the public want to prevent accidents, the greater the acceptance

of more stringent road safety measures. The behavioral theory is used to establish the

effects of behavior of individuals on accidents and the ability to convince the public and

politicians about the need for programs and evaluating their effectiveness.
Conceptual Framework

PROFILE OF RISK FACTORS

RESPONDENTS IN TERMS OF;
 RESIDENTS  ROAD DESIGN AND
 DRIVERS TECHNICALITIES
 DRIVER’S
CHARACTERISTICS

SYSTEMIC
THEORY &
ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIORAL
RELEVANT DATA THEORY

AWARENESS OF RESIDENTS &

DRIVERS ON THE RISK AND
SAFETY OF THE CURVE ROAD
IMPROVED CURVE ROAD

The major variable of this study involves the risk factors of the curve road in terms of the

road design & technicalities and the driver’s characteristics.

Definition of Terms

For readers to better understand the concept, the following terms were defined

operationally:

Perception – the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something.

Resident – person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis.

Driver – person who drives vehicles.

Curve Road – are regular bends in roads to bring a gradual change of direction.

Highway – a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.

Hazardous – risky; dangerous.

Extent – the degree to which something has spread; the size or scale of

something.

Risk Factor – any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that

increases the likelihood of developing an injury or accident.

Road Design – concerned with the positioning of the physical elements of the

roadway according to standards and constraints.

Technicalities – the specific details or terms belonging to a particular field.

Characteristics – quality belonging to the driver.

Awareness – perception of a situation or fact.

Superelevation – The transverse slope provided to counteract the effect of

centrifugal force and reduce the tendency of vehicle to overturn

and to skid laterally outwards by raising the pavement outer edge

with respect to the inner edge.

 Chapter III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodology of the study which includes the research

design, respondents of the study, locale of the study, research instruments, and the data

gathering procedure.

Research Design

The research applied the quantitative research design specifically the descriptive

design. The survey was used to described the profile of each group of respondents, one

group for residents, another for drivers. It was also used to measure the extent of agreement

from the respondents the risk factors in the curve road.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were grouped into two, they were the; residents living

in the scoped area and the vehicle drivers that pass through the area. A set of questionnaires

were given to each group of respondents, 30 for residents, and 30 for drivers. Specifically,

a snowball sampling was employed depending on what type of group they belong. The

respondent’s perception was used to obtain the risk factors on the curve road. The process

is simple and cost-efficient.

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted in Barangay Mambajao, Maasin City particularly in

Tomas Oppus street covering the coastal/cemetery street at the side of Mambajao up to the

curve road and then back to the main highway. The range of places for surveying is limited

in Maasin City only.

Source: Google Maps

Research Instruments

The study utilized the following instruments:

1) Checklists, for proper procedure and track of things to finish to be done

according to the agreed scheduling,

2) Motor Vehicles, for transportation to lessen work time.

 3) Cellphones or video cameras, for actual recording and documentation.

4) Interview or survey (Pens, notebooks, questionnaires, and audio recorder), for

proper research basis on the side of the general public and other institutions.

Data Gathering Procedure

The study is divided into four (4) phases:

Phase 1 is the diagnostics of the problem, wherein survey was conducted and series

of questions were given to respondents, both residents and drivers.

Phase 2 is the analysis and evaluation of data gathered. This was done through

meetings, agreements, and debates between researchers as to which data is relevant to the

study.

Phase 3 is the organizing of data. Tables, graphs or charts were used to organize

and simplify data.

Phase 4 is the formulation of the summary, conclusion, and recommendations of

the study. This part was based on the amount of data gathered.

The study was conducted through careful decision making and focus to attain the

goal in a short amount of time.

 Chapter IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents analysis and interprets the results of the study. The data

gathered were presented in table and charts showing frequencies, weighted means, and

their qualitative equivalents.

The presentation follows the sequence:

1. Profile of respondents (Residents) in terms of:

1.1 Age;

1.2 Gender;

1.3 Location of residency;

1.4 Years of residency;

1.5 Severity of accident in terms of:

a. Accident witness on the curve road;

b. Knowledge of accidents on the curve road

2. Profile of respondents (Drivers) in terms of:

2.1 Age;

2.2 Gender;

2.3 Preference of passing the route;

2.4 Type of vehicle used;

 2.5 Severity of accident in terms of:

a. Accident experience on the curve road;

b. Knowledge of accidents on the curve road;

3. Risk factors of the curve road in terms of: (from two perspectives)

3.1 Road Design and Technicalities

3.2 Driver’s Characteristics

Series of questions were asked to the residents and drivers, and the results are as follows:

1. The profile of respondents (Residents) in terms of, (1) Age, (2) Gender, (3) Location

of residency, (4) Years of residency, (5) Accident witness on the curve road, (6)

Knowledge of accidents on the curve road, (7) Severity of accident.

To show the profile of respondents mainly the residents in the scoped area, figures

1-7 are presented below.

Figure 1: Age of residents

FIGURE 1: AGE OF RESIDENTS

18+ 18-

20%

80%

As shown in Figure 1 above, out of 30 residents, (24) or 80% had an age of 18 years

and above, and (6) or 20% had an age of 18 years below. Age plays a role in terms of the

resident’s perspective. Though the range of age has a minor difference, the researches still

hypothesize that residents 18 years old and above are more attentive in perceiving news or

actual accidents in the curve road than residents 18 years below.

Figure 2: Gender of residents

FIGURE 2: GENDER OF RESIDENTS

MALE 40%

FEMALE 60%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Figure 2 above shows that out of 30 residents, (12) or 40% were male residents,

while (18) or 60% were female residents.

Figure 3: Location of Residency

FIGURE 3: LOCATION OF RESIDENCY

Near Far

37%

63%
 Figure 3 above presents the location of the respondent’s home. It shows that (19)

or 63% of the residents live near the curve road, and (11) or 37% live far but are under the

scoped area. The residents’ location plays an important role in the perception of the curve

road since the closer the residents are on the curve road the higher they are in perceiving

actual accidents on the curve road.

Figure 4: Years of Residency

FIGURE 4: YEARS OF RESIDENCY

10+ 10-

33%

67%

Figure 4 shows the years of residency of the 30 residents. The data shows that (10)

or 33% of the residents are residing 10 years below, while (20) or 67% of the residents are

residing 10 years above. The longer they are on the scoped area, may it be far or near the

curve road, the higher they are capable of perceiving news or actual accidents on the curve

road.
Figure 5: Accident Witness

FIGURE 5: ACCIDENT WITNESS

No Yes

47%
53%

Figure 5 above shows that out of 30 residents, (14) or 47% were residents who

witnessed the accident and some are present during the accident, while (16) or 53% were

residents who did not witness any accidents on the curve road.
Figure 6: Knowledge of Accidents (resident’s perspective)

FIGURE 6: KNOWLEDGE OF ACCIDENTS

No Yes

43%
57%

Figure 6 above shows that out of 30 residents, (17) or 57% were residents who

knows someone that had an accident on the curve road or have heard news or rumors of

actual accidents on the curve road, while (13) or 43% were residents who did not know or

heard any accidents on the curve road.

Figure 7: Severity of Accident (based on figures 5 & 6)

FIGURE 7: SEVERITY OF ACCIDENT

Fatal Mild

32%

68%

Figure 7 presents the severity of accidents the respondents witnessed or know. This

figure is based from the previous figures (5 & 6). The data revealed that out of the 31 yeses

from the previous figures, (21) or 68% said that the accidents they witness or know were

fatal accidents, while (10) or 32% said that the accidents they witness or know were only

mild accidents or minor crashes.

2. the profile of respondents (Drivers) in terms of, (1) Age, (2) Gender, (3) Choice of

route, (4) Type of vehicle used, (5) Accident experience on the curve road, (6)

Knowledge of accidents on the curve road, (7) Severity of accident.

To show the profile of respondents mainly the drivers, figures 8-14 are presented

below.

Figure 8: Age of drivers

FIGURE 8: AGE OF DRIVERS

18+ 18-

23%

77%

As shown in Figure 8 above, out of 30 drivers, (23) or 77% had an age of 18 years

and above, and (7) or 23% had an age of 18 years below. Age plays a role in terms of the

drivers’ perspective. The researches hypothesize that drivers 18 years old and above are

more reliable in perceiving accidents on the curve since they are more knowledgeable on

roads than drivers 18 years below.

Figure 9: Gender of drivers

FIGURE 9: GENDER OF DRIVERS

MALE 80%

FEMALE 20%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Figure 9 above shows that out of 30 drivers, (24) or 80% were male residents, while

(6) or 20% were female residents. Female drivers rarely choose the curve road as a travel

route for safety matters. They are less capable in driving than men.
Figure 10: Preference of passing the route

FIGURE 10: PREFERENCE OF PASSING

THE ROUTE
No Yes

47%
53%

Figure 10 above presents the preference of passing the route of the drivers. It shows

that (14) or 47% of the drivers prefer to pass on the curve road, and (16) or 53% prefer not

to pass for safety purposes.

Figure 11: Type of vehicle used

FIGURE 11: TYPE OF VEHICLE

4 & 4+ WHEELS 10%

TRICYCLE 33%

MOTOR SINGLE 57%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Figure 11 above presents the type of vehicle used by the 30 drivers; motor single,

tricycle, or 4 and 4+ wheeler vehicles. The data revealed that, there were (17) or 57%

drivers who uses motor single, (10) or 33% were drivers who drives tricycle, and (3) or

10% were drivers who uses 4 wheels or 4 wheels plus vehicles.

Figure 12: Accident Experience

FIGURE 12: ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE

No Yes

0%

100%

Figure 12 above shows that out of 30 residents, (30) or 100% or all respondents

were drivers who did not experience any accidents or even minor crashes on the curve road.
Figure 13: Knowledge of Accidents (driver’s perspective)

FIGURE 13: KNOWLEDGE OF

ACCIDENTS
No Yes

17%

83%

Figure 13 above shows that out of 30 drivers, (25) or 83% were drivers who knows

someone that had an accident on the curve road or have heard news or rumors of actual

accidents on the curve road, while (5) or 17% were drivers who did not know or heard any

accidents on the curve road.

Figure 14: Severity of Accident (based on figures 12 & 13)

FIGURE 14: SEVERITY OF ACCIDENT

Fatal Mild

16%

84%

Figure 14 presents the severity of accidents the respondents experienced or know.

This figure is based from the previous figures (12 & 13). The data revealed that out of the

25 yeses from the previous figures, (21) or 84% said that the accidents they know are fatal

accidents, while (4) or 16% said that the accidents they know are only mild accidents or

minor crashes.
3. The risk factors on the curve road in terms of (1) Road design and technicalities,

(2) Driver’s characteristics from two perspectives, the residents, and the drivers.

To show the risk factors on the curve road, Table 1-2 are presented below.

Table 1
Residents’ perspective: Risk factor

INDICATORS Sample Weighted Mean Descriptive

Size (n) Rating (WMR) Equivalent
Rating (DER)
No superelevation 30 1.97 VLI
Lack of warning signs 30 4.1 LA
Insufficient lights 30 3.03 LI
Inadequate barriers 30 3.53 LA
ROAD DESIGN & TECHNICALITIES 3.16
Presence of Alcohol, medicinal or 30 4.9 VLA
recreational drugs
Excessive speeding 30 4.07 LA
Fatigue 30 2.43 VLI
Lack of awareness 30 3.47 LI
DRIVER'S CHARACTERISTICS 3.72

Weighted points Rating Scale Range DER

5 Strongly Agree 4.50 - 5.00 To a very large extent (VLA)
4 Agree 3.50 - 4.49 To a large extent (LA)
3 Disagree 2.50 - 3.49 To a little extent (LI)
2 Strongly Disagree 1.50 - 2.49 To a very little extent (VLI)
1 No comment 1.00 - 1.49 No extent (NE)
 Table 1 shows the risk factors in terms of the road design & technicalities and

driver’s characteristics perceived by the residents. The data revealed that the extent of

resident’s agreement on risk factors in terms of ‘lack of warning signs’ and ‘inadequate

barriers’ were to a large extent with a weighted mean rating of 4.1 and 3.53 respectively.

This implies that people in charge of road safety should give emphasis on signs and

barriers. Road design and technicalities is essential to the risk on the road as perceived by

the residents.

On the indicator; driver’s characteristics, the extent of agreement as perceived by

residents were to a large extent with an overall weighted mean rating of 3.72. Specifically,

the indicator ‘presence of alcohol, medicinal or recreational drugs’ was described as “To a

very large extent” implying that this factor is an essential risk as a characteristic of a driver.

Thereby, it is largely agreed that the driver’s characteristics, specifically with the presence

of alcohol, medicinal or recreational drugs, is a major cause of accidents in the curve road

as perceived by the residents.

 Table 2
Drivers’ perspective: Risk factor

INDICATORS Sample Weighted Mean Descriptive

Size (n) Rating (WMR) Equivalent Rating
(DER)
No superelevation 30 3.57 LA
Lack of warning signs 30 3.93 LA
Insufficient lights 30 3.43 LI
Inadequate barriers 30 3.23 LI
ROAD DESIGN & TECHNICALITIES 3.54
Presence of Alcohol, medicinal or 30 4.93 VLA
recreational drugs
Excessive speeding 30 3.83 LA
Fatigue 30 2.73 LI
Lack of awareness 30 3.5 LA
DRIVER'S CHARACTERISTICS 3.75

Weighted points Rating Scale Range DER

5 Strongly Agree 4.50 - 5.00 To a very large extent (VLA)
4 Agree 3.50 - 4.49 To a large extent (LA)
3 Disagree 2.50 - 3.49 To a little extent (LI)
2 Strongly Disagree 1.50 - 2.49 To a very little extent (VLI)
1 No comment 1.00 - 1.49 No extent (NE)
 Table 2 shows the risk factors in terms of the road design & technicalities and

driver’s characteristics perceived by the drivers. The data revealed that the extent of

driver’s agreement on risk factors in terms of ‘No superelevation’ and ‘lack of warning

signs’ were to a large extent with a weighted mean rating of 3.57 and 3.93 respectively.

This implies that people in charge of road safety should give emphasis on the curve road’s

horizontal curve design and warning signs. Road design and technicalities is essential to

the risk on the road as perceived by the drivers.

On the indicator; driver’s characteristics, the extent of agreement as perceived by

drivers were to a large extent with an overall weighted mean rating of 3.75. Specifically,

the indicator ‘presence of alcohol, medicinal or recreational drugs’ was described as “To a

very large extent” implying that this factor is an essential risk as a characteristic of a driver.

Thereby, it is largely agreed that the driver’s characteristics, specifically with the presence

of alcohol, medicinal or recreational drugs, is a major cause of accidents in the curve road

as perceived by the drivers.

 Chapter V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

The research is focused on the perception of the residents and drivers on the risks

and safety of the Mambajao cemetery curve road. Specifically, the study determines the

risk factors on the curve road perceived by the residents and drivers. The research study

was conducted at Barangay Mambajao, Maasin City, Southern Leyte particularly on the

cemetery or coastal side of the barangay. The research respondents were residents residing

under the scoped area and drivers that passes through the curve road and some tricycle

drivers, and some are drivers whom the researchers know. The research applied the

quantitative research design specifically descriptive method. The purpose of this study is

to analyze the risk and safety of the curve road through the respondents’ perception, and to

give awareness to the residents and drivers the risk in the curve road.

The information was obtained through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaire

has 2 parts. The first part is sub-divided into two groups, depending on which group of

respondents; residents and drivers, is asked. For residents, the first part of the questionnaire

asks about their profile in terms of age, gender, location of residency, years of residency,

accident witness, knowledge of accidents, and the severity of the accidents. For drivers, the

first part of the questionnaire asks about their profile in terms of age, gender, preference of

passing the route, type of vehicle used, accident experience, knowledge of accidents, and

the severity of accidents. The second part of the questionnaire talks about the risk factors

in terms of road design & technicalities and driver’s characteristics.

 In this study, through the perception of the residents and drivers, the risk factor

shows that a large extent of agreement is found in the driver’s characteristics, specifically

wherein drivers are drunk or drugged, thus it is largely agreed that this is a major cause of

accidents in the curve road.

Based on the result of statistical analysis of the data, the findings are summarized as

follows:

1. Profile of Residents

Age. Most of the residents’ age are 18 years old and above with a frequency of 80%.

Gender. Majority of the residents were female with a frequency of 60%.

Location of residency. Most of the residents live near the road with a frequency of 63%.

Years of residency. Most of the residents have lived in their respective home for more than

10 years with a frequency of 67%.

Accident Witness. Most of the residents have not witnessed an accident on the curve road

with a frequency of 53%.

Knowledge of accidents. Majority of the residents have knowledge in the accidents

happening on the curve road with a frequency of 57%.

Severity of accidents. Out of the 31 yeses from being a witness or has a knowledge on the

accidents on the curve road, 68% said the accidents were fatal.
 2. Profile of Drivers

Age. Most of the drivers’ age are 18 years old and above with a frequency of 77%.

Gender. Majority of the drivers were male with a frequency of 80%.

Preference of passing the route. Most of the drivers doesn’t prefer on passing the route

with a frequency of 53%.

Type of vehicle used. Most of the drivers use motor single with a frequency of 57%.

Accident experience. All of the drivers did not experience any accidents on the curve road.

Knowledge of accidents. Majority of the drivers have knowledge in the accidents

happening on the curve road with a frequency of 83%.

Severity of accidents. Out of the 25 yeses from having a knowledge on the accidents on the

curve road, 84% said the accidents were fatal.

3. Risk factors

Road design & technicalities. The overall weighted mean rating on the residents’

perspective is 3.16 described as “To a little extent” while on the drivers’ perspective is 3.54

described as “To a large extent”. The data revealed that the risk factors in terms of the

design of road and its technicalities is largely agreed by the drivers than the residents.

Driver’s characteristics. The overall weighted mean rating on the residents’ perspective is

3.72 described as “To a large extent”, while on the drivers’ perspective is 3.75 described

as ‘To a large extent”. The data revealed that the risk factors in terms of the driver’s
characteristics is largely agreed by both the residents and the drivers. Furthermore, based

on both perspectives, drunk driving is agreed to a very large extent with an overall weighted

mean of 4.92.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the researchers came up with the following conclusion:

This study begun with the fundamental question on how safe or unsafe the curve

road on Mambajao is and to what extent are the risk factors agreeable to both the residents

and the drivers. The research applied the descriptive research design. Data from the survey

was presented. The results of this study revealed that the risk in terms of the driver’s

characteristics, specifically with the presence of alcohol, medicinal or recreational drugs is

largely agreed by the residents and the drivers. In the research conducted, it was identified

that the Mambajao cemetery curve road is definitely an accident-prone area with periodic

fatal accidents recurrently taking place as perceived from both the residents and drivers.

Nonetheless, these accidents happen due to driver’s characteristic with a little cause from

road’s design and technicalities. Therefore, various neutralizing countermeasures on

drivers and to the road’s design and technicalities should be conducted.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the researchers humbly recommend the

following:

The researchers recommend this research paper to the residents and drivers for their

awareness of the risk and the major cause of accidents in the curve road.

For the drivers, this will give them awareness of drunk driving for it results in fatal

crashes that can also lead to death.

For the highway and safety institutions, this will give them an idea on how to

improve the road and lessen accidents on the curve road.

Future researchers may also perform a similar quantitative research design

specifically descriptive design on the risk factors on curve roads or even on main highways.

They may investigate the risks and to what extent it is agreed by the residents and drivers.

They might also employ new ways or different methods in this research to further analyze

the risk and safety of any type of road.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3141/1689-10

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0001457586900345

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457506002247

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1068/p090183

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0001457578900295

Traffic and Highway Engineering (Nicholas J. Garber, 4th Ed.)

roadsafety_training_manual_unit_2

JamrozK.-REVIEWOFROADSAFETYTHEORIESANDMODELS-KONBiN-1-2008
 APPENDIX-A

QUESTIONNAIRE for RESIDENTS

“PERCEPTION OF RESIDENTS AND DRIVERS ON THE RISKS AND SAFETY OF

THE MAMBAJAO CEMETERY CURVE ROAD”

PART I: PROFILE OF RESIDENTS

Sex: __Male __Female

Age: ______

___(18 yrs below, minor) ___(18 yrs above, adult)

Years of Residency:

YES or NO:

1) Do you live near the road?

2) Have you witnessed an accident on the curve road?

If YES: Were those accidents fatal or mild?

3) Do you know someone who had an accident on the curve road?

If YES: Were those accidents fatal or mild?

QUESTIONNAIRE for DRIVERS

“PERCEPTION OF RESIDENTS AND DRIVERS ON THE RISKS AND SAFETY OF

THE MAMBAJAO CEMETERY CURVE ROAD”

PART I: PROFILE OF DRIVERS

Sex: __Male __Female

Age: ______

___(18 yrs below, minor) ___(18 yrs above, adult)

Type of vehicle:

__ Motor Single __ Tricycle __ Four wheels and plus

YES or NO:

1) Do you like taking this route?

2) Have you been on an accident on the curve road?

If YES: Were those accidents fatal or mild?

3) Do you know someone who had an accident on the curve road?

If YES: Were those accidents fatal or mild?

PART II: RISK FACTORS

Put a check (√) on the chosen level of awareness. SA stands for Strongly Agree, A for

Agree, DA for Disagree, SDA for Strongly Disagree, NC for No Comment.

RISK FACTORS SA A DA SDA NC

ROAD DESIGN &

TECHNICALITIES

1. No superelevation

2. Lack of warning signs

3. Insufficient lights

4. Inadequate barriers

DRIVER’S CHARACTERISTICS

1. Presence of alcohol,
medicinal or recreational
drugs

2. Excessive speeding

3.Fatigue

4. Lack of awareness
RESIDENTS:

DRIVERS:
 APPENDIX-B

CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Information:
Name: Nikko S. Cuizon
Date of Birth: November 4, 1998
Civil Status: Single
Gender: Male
Present Address: Brgy. San Pedro, Matalom, Leyte
Contact Number: 09667319013

Educational Background
Elementary:
Matalom North Central School
Matalom, Leyte
S.Y. 2010-2011

High School:
Matalom National High School
Matalom, Leyte
S.Y. 2014-2015

College:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Information:
Name: Ian Mari Dantes
Date of Birth: July 29, 1998
Civil Status: Single
Gender: Male
Present Address: Brgy. Canturing, Maasin City
Contact Number: 09954391758

Educational Background
Elementary:
The College of Maasin
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2010-2011

High School:
The College of Maasin
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2014-2015

College:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Information:
Name: Christian Troi A. Diaz
Date of Birth: July 12, 1998
Civil Status: Single
Gender: Male
Present Address: Brgy. Tagnipa, Maasin City
Contact Number: 09264459632

Educational Background
Elementary:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2010-2011

High School:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2014-2015

College:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Information:
Name: Ed Philippe V. Gonzales
Date of Birth: August 6, 1998
Civil Status: Single
Gender: Male
Present Address: Brgy. Tagnipa, Maasin City
Contact Number: 09300618921

Educational Background
Elementary:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2010-2011

High School:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2014-2015

College:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Information:
Name: Justin G. Uy
Date of Birth: December 6, 1997
Civil Status: Single
Gender: Male
Present Address: Brgy. Amparo, Macrohon,
Southern Leyte
Contact Number: 09359757786

Educational Background
Elementary:
Maasin Christian Academy
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2010-2011

High School:
Maasin Christian Academy
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
S.Y. 2014-2015

College:
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City, Southern Leyte