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Investigating Public Perceptions of Pedestrians Safety in Taiwan
Abstract
This study investigates the pressing issue of pedestrian safety in Taiwan, where pedestrian fatalities have risen significantly, particularly among the elderly. Leveraging data from 81 survey respondents across diverse demographics and regions, the research examines perceptions of safety, pedestrian behaviors, and infrastructure adequacy. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of closed-ended questions with thematic analysis of open-ended responses. The findings highlight widespread dissatisfaction with pedestrian infrastructure, insufficient maintenance of crosswalks, and inadequate traffic enforcement. Respondents emphasized the need for improved sidewalks, pedestrian-only zones, and stricter penalties for traffic violations. Unexpectedly, lowering speed limits was not prioritized by most participants, suggesting that infrastructure and enforcement take precedence. This study underscores the importance of a multifaceted strategy involving infrastructure upgrades, enforcement measures, and public awareness campaigns to address Taiwan’s pedestrian safety crisis effectively.
Introduction
Pedestrian safety in Taiwan has emerged as a critical issue, with a 15.5% increase in pedestrian fatalities reported during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This alarming trend highlights systemic issues, including drivers failing to yield at intersections and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure. The elderly, particularly vulnerable in these environments, account for 73.1% of pedestrian deaths. Most incidents occur during early morning and evening rush hours, underscoring the need for improved traffic management during these critical periods (Chung, 2024).
In response to these challenges, the Taiwanese government has launched a comprehensive pedestrian safety improvement plan with a budget of NT$40 billion. Key measures include redesigning 600 high-risk intersections, implementing stricter traffic regulations, and holding local governments accountable for road safety outcomes. The goal of reducing pedestrian fatalities by 50% by 2030 aligns with global initiatives such as the United Nations' Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, 2021).
Despite growing concerns about pedestrian safety in Taiwan, limited research has comprehensively explored public perceptions of the issue alongside the key factors contributing to pedestrian risks. This study examines public perceptions of pedestrian safety in Taiwan and identifies the most critical factors contributing to these issues. By focusing on infrastructure improvements, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and increased public awareness, this research argues for a multifaceted approach to create safer and more accessible streets for all pedestrians.
Methods
The survey participants were primarily aged between 18 and 25 years old, with a majority identifying as female. Respondents resided in various regions of Taiwan, including the southern and central areas, and their residential environments ranged from urban and suburban to rural settings. This demographic diversity provides a broad perspective on pedestrian safety across different locales.
The questionnaire was designed with a mix of question types to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions were used to evaluate participants’ behaviors, perceptions of safety, and opinions on local infrastructure and enforcement. Open-ended questions allowed respondents to share personal experiences, identify critical safety issues, and offer suggestions for improvement.
Data collection was conducted through Instagram story, resulting in 81 responses. The closed-ended questions were analyzed quantitatively to identify patterns and trends, while open-ended responses were examined qualitatively to uncover recurring themes. Key issues highlighted by participants included poor road conditions, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, speeding vehicles, and distracted driving. These findings were complemented by suggestions such as increasing pedestrian-only zones, improving road conditions, and enhancing traffic law enforcement to improve pedestrian safety in Taiwan.
Findings
Closed-Ended Question Analysis
The closed-ended questions revealed several key patterns regarding pedestrian safety perceptions and behaviors. For example, 54.3% of respondents felt neutral or unsafe (choosing 1, 2, or 3) while walking in their city or town (Figure 1), highlighting a notable concern about pedestrian safety. Additionally, 64.2% of participants believed that traffic enforcement, such as penalizing drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians, was inadequate (Figure 2). These trends indicate a strong public perception of insufficient safety measures and enforcement, underscoring the need for targeted improvements.
Further, when asked about the maintenance of pedestrian crossings, 55% of respondents stated that these facilities were poorly maintained or difficult to use, reflecting a pressing need for infrastructure upgrades. Quantitative rankings from the survey showed that 35% of respondents identified “improving pedestrian infrastructure” as the most important measure to enhance pedestrian safety, followed by “better enforcement of traffic laws” (25%). These statistics clearly support the argument that which is a combination of infrastructure improvements and stricter enforcement is critical for addressing safety issues.
(Figure 1)
(Figure 2)
Open-Ended Question Analysis
Thematic analysis of the open-ended responses revealed five major themes regarding pedestrian safety: poor road conditions, distracted driving, insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, weak traffic law enforcement, and the lack of driver awareness. Participants frequently highlighted issues such as uneven or obstructed sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk on roads, and drivers failing to yield at crosswalks. For instance, one respondent noted, “The sidewalks in my area are uneven and often obstructed, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road, which feels unsafe,” while another commented, “Drivers rarely stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, even when there are clear markings.” Several participants also pointed out the lack of sidewalks, particularly on smaller streets, and criticized short pedestrian signal times at traffic lights, which they felt increased the risk of accidents. Suggestions for improvement included creating more pedestrian-only zones, widening sidewalks, extending crossing times, and implementing stricter penalties for traffic violations. These themes closely align with trends in the closed-ended responses, where 64.2% of participants reported dissatisfaction with traffic enforcement, and 35% identified improving pedestrian infrastructure as a top priority.
Discussion
These findings strongly support the thesis that improving pedestrian safety in Taiwan requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on better infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and increased public awareness. The data clearly indicates a consensus among respondents regarding the urgency of these measures. However, some unexpected insights emerged, such as the perception that lowering speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas was less critical, with only 15% ranking it as their top priority. This challenges the initial assumption that reducing vehicle speeds would be universally seen as a key solution.
A potential counterargument could be that enhancing pedestrian infrastructure alone may not sufficiently address safety concerns if driver behavior remains unchanged. Nonetheless, the results suggest that combining infrastructure improvements with enforcement measures would address the broader spectrum of issues affecting pedestrian safety. For example, while infrastructure is crucial for creating a safe environment, strict penalties for traffic violations are necessary to ensure compliance. This dual approach reaffirms the thesis and highlights its practicality in addressing the root causes of pedestrian safety concerns.
Research supports the effectiveness of combining infrastructure improvements with enforcement measures to enhance pedestrian safety. As noted in a study by Wang et al. (2023), effective pedestrian safety improvements must involve not only infrastructure upgrades but also stricter enforcement to reduce accidents and enhance public perception of safety. This is particularly important in urban areas, where both pedestrian volume and traffic density contribute significantly to risk. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that includes both elements is crucial for improving overall pedestrian safety (Wang et al., 2023).
Furthermore, Chen (2023) highlights that in Taiwan, pedestrian safety improvements should integrate both physical infrastructure upgrades and stronger enforcement of traffic laws. This combination of measures is essential not only to prevent accidents but also to foster greater public confidence in safety initiatives, thereby encouraging more people to walk safely in urban environments (Chen, 2023).
Conclusion
This study investigates the critical issue of pedestrian safety in Taiwan, with a focus on public perceptions and priorities regarding infrastructure, enforcement, and awareness. The findings reveal significant concerns about the adequacy of pedestrian infrastructure and traffic enforcement, with 55% of respondents reporting poor maintenance of pedestrian crossings and 64.2% expressing dissatisfaction with traffic law enforcement. Suggestions for improvement, such as expanding pedestrian-only zones, upgrading sidewalks, and penalizing traffic violations more strictly, were frequently emphasized.
These results underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to address Taiwan's pedestrian safety crisis effectively. Policymakers should prioritize infrastructure upgrades alongside robust enforcement measures to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could play a crucial role in fostering safer behaviors among both pedestrians and drivers. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of such interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing government initiatives. By implementing comprehensive strategies, Taiwan can create safer, more inclusive streets for all pedestrians and work toward achieving its ambitious goal of halving pedestrian fatalities by 2030.
References
Chung, L.-h. (2024, August 5). Proposed regulations include pedestrian safety zones. Taipei Times. Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/08/05/2003821791
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. (2021). Second decade of action for road safety: Saving lives 2021–2030. Retrieved from https://unece.org/second-decade-action
Wang, X., Li, L., & Chen, Y. (2023). The effectiveness of infrastructure and enforcement on pedestrian safety in urban areas. Airiti Library. Retrieved from https://www.airitilibrary.com/Article/Detail/a0000255-N202307290004-00002
Chen, J. (2023). A study on pedestrian safety improvements through infrastructure and law enforcement in Taiwan. National Chengchi University Institutional Repository. Retrieved from https://nccur.lib.nccu.edu.tw/ir/handle/140.119/75311
Chang, Y.-m. (2024, September 26). Taiwan’s pedestrian safety plan requires stronger enforcement. Taipei Times. Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2024/09/26/2003824357
Lee, H.-s. (2024, August 5). Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise despite safety measures. Taipei Times. Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/08/05/2003821791
Chen, S.-h. (2024, September 30). Government must focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure. Taipei Times. Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2024/09/30/2003824551
Wang, P.-l. (2024, December 21). Taiwan’s traffic safety war intensifies amidst growing tourism boom. CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/taiwan-traffic-war-tourism-intl-hnk/index.html
Wu, J.-p. (2024, April 21). Taipei’s pedestrian safety crisis needs urgent reform. Taipei Times.
Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2024/04/21/2003816711