Linking drivers’ knowledge and perceived road safety: the mediating effects of theoretical and practical driving course
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67167/vertex.512Keywords:
drivers’ knowledge, perceived road safety, theoretical driving course, practical driving course, mediation analysis, Oriental MindoroAbstract
This study examined the relationship between drivers’ knowledge and perceived road safety, with emphasis on the mediating effects of the Theoretical Driving Course and Practical Driving Course among licensed drivers in Oriental Mindoro. Specifically, it determined the respondents’ socio-demographic profile, level of drivers’ knowledge, level of perceived road safety, extent of exposure to TDC and PDC, relationship between knowledge and perceived road safety, and the mediating effects of TDC and PDC. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design with mediation analysis. A total of 300 licensed public and private vehicle drivers from the 14 municipalities of Oriental Mindoro participated in the study. Data were gathered using a validated and reliable research instrument composed of a socio-demographic profile sheet, a drivers’ knowledge test, a perceived road safety questionnaire, and an exposure to TDC and PDC questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, correlation analysis, Kendall’s Tau-b, and mediation analysis through path analysis. Findings revealed that the respondents generally had high to very high levels of drivers’ knowledge, perceived road safety, and exposure to both TDC and PDC. The results also showed a significant but weak positive relationship between drivers’ knowledge and perceived road safety, indicating that knowledge contributes to safety perception but does not strongly explain it by itself. Further analysis showed that TDC partially mediated the relationship between drivers’ knowledge and perceived road safety, while PDC fully mediated the relationship. This means that theoretical instruction strengthens the connection between knowledge and perceived safety, while practical driving training serves as the stronger pathway through which knowledge is translated into safety perception. Based on the findings, a Traffic–Community-Based TDC-PDC Access Initiative was proposed to improve access to formal driver education, strengthen road safety awareness, and enhance practical driving readiness among drivers in Oriental Mindoro.
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