Navigating Chaos: A Qualitative System Dynamics-based Analysis of Road Safety Challenges for Vulnerable Road Users in a Major Developing City (Kinshasa)

Abstract

This paper investigates the interaction of the elements of road safety concerning pedestrians and motorcyclists as vulnerable users in the system of the developing city. These cities are characterized by crowded streets, aggressive drivers, and insufficient conditions for traffic safety. The authors employ a qualitative system dynamics approach to clarify the multifaceted problems vulnerable road users encounter. The findings show that users are much more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer injuries due to a combination of aggressive driving style, road conditions, and traffic management. The use of interviews, observational data, and case studies also depict the realities of the life of pedestrians and motorcyclists, which present an account of their efforts still first-hand. Heretofore, many factors contributed to the increased risk of these road users, such as the absence of pedestrian road crossings, improper placement of traffic signs, poor illumination, and the absence of special motorcycle lanes. Further, this study examines the broader issues that are part of these challenges, such as socio-economic pressures that make people move by foot or motorcycle, and in most cases, at risk, or lack of governance and policy promoting investment in road safety features. Practically also considered the psychological and social consequences of these hazards, especially for women who are among the most vulnerable users of the transport system. This seeks to understand how fear and stress from hazards impact their commuting patterns and overall quality of life. The paper’s aims include the need for more effective measures such as improving traffic law enforcement, enhancing road facilities, and initiating an education campaign for the masses on road safety. Community participation and engagement through participatory planning is essential in helping design and build safer road environments that are responsive to the needs of vulnerable users. This study intends to explain the relationships among aggressive driving, infrastructure, and user vulnerability, hoping that relevant local authorities, urban planners, and road safety advocates will be informed. The ideas generated are hoped to be beneficial in informing policymaking aimed at designing solutions to common road safety problems such as those faced by developing countries experiencing urbanization. Integrated System Dynamics, a multidisciplinary approach, is helpful for the discourse on circuits and systems, which is relevant to this study.