Psychological Factors Influencing Red Light Running Intentions at the Junction with Red Light Camera Enforcement: A Case of Thapra Junction, Khon Kaen province

Abstract

Red-light running behavior is the main cause of vehicle crashes at the intersections controlled by traffic signal. Thapha junction in municipality of Thapha, Mueang district, Khon Kaen province, is an intersection with a significant number of red-light running incidents. The Khon Kaen authorities responsible for reducing traffic accidents have attempted to address this problem by introducing red-light cameras (i.e. photo enforcement systems at intersections). These measures considerably reduced the number of traffic accidents, leading to a significant reduction in injuries and deaths. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological factors that influence the intention of red-light running, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), as well as to evaluate beliefs and control factors that affect red-light running behavior. Data for this study was collected from 201 respondents by questionnaire. Structural Equation Models (SEM) were used to examine and explain red-light running intentions following TPB principles. The results indicated that models could explain the variance by intentions of red-light running at 33% for TPB factors, and by 52% for extended TPB. The most significant psychological factors were determined by perceived behavioral control (PBC) of both models. Approach speed, yellow timing, count down signal and red-light cameras had the top scores in the evaluation of factors affecting red-light running behavior. The outcome of this study could lead to greater understanding of red-light running intentions and could be useful for development of safety measures.