Abstract
This research aims to 1) attain a better understanding in the nature of the situation related to the safety of daily commute via public passenger vans through the perception of commuters and van drivers 2) explore possible measures to prevent the danger of the daily commute via public passenger vans through the perception of the involved parties, and 3) study past policies and outcomes of the implemented policies by different working bodies related to the safety of daily commute via public passenger vans and analyze the factors affecting both the success and failure. The research procedure is divided into two phases. The first phase utilizes qualitative and quantitative research methods to achieve the first and third objective. Data collection is conducted in 3 van stations (Bangkok-Chonburi route, Chonburi – Bangkok route and Bangkok-Nakhonnayok route) with the subjects being 45 van drivers and 210 passengers, 6 business operators, 3 officers from the Land Transport Department, 6 traffic polices. The data analysis is done using content analysis and Multiple Recession method. The second phase employs the participative action research to help develop for the most effective measures to prevent the danger caused by daily commute via public passenger vans. The analyzed data from phase one is provided back to the research participants (3 officers from the Land Transport Department, police officers and representatives from Road Safety Group Thailand (RSG), 30 van drivers, and 2 operators of public passenger van business). The findings reveal the following: 1. The factors affecting the behaviors and safety of the commute via public passenger vans in Bangkok Metropolitan Region are people’s knowledge and attitudes towards safety. Such factors have significant statistical impact on the safety behaviors of the commuters at .001 with the predictable rate of 29%. 2. The driver’s perceptions towards situations related to the safety of daily commute via public passenger vans reveal that the drivers are aware of the risks of driving public vans caused by other road users. They are also aware that accidents can cost them not only, their time and income, but also their lives. Other risks include poor conditions of the roads and operating vans, drivers’ insufficient sleep and excessive passenger capacity. The risk factors are derived from families and business operators competing for clients. From the passengers’ point of view, the finding discloses the passengers’ realization in the risks of commuting via public passenger vans, which are still ongoing and somewhat normalized. 3.Compliance with implemented policies and factors affecting the success of the developing greater safety for public passenger vans encompass the understanding in the problems of the service, strict enforcement of the laws, collaborations between government agencies and understanding in the implementation of policies as well as the use of technology, social media platforms and applications to make opinions heard and complaints resolved. The problems include expired Compulsory Motor Insurance, relatively small fines, inconsistent/only occasional inspection, and problematic mindset/conflicted benefits of illegally operated vans. The solutions include the revision of Government Gazette to appropriately enable a system where safety measures can be continually and effectively monitored, as well as creating a greater acknowledgement in the passengers’ benefits and safety. 4. Conceived is a participative action approach adopted among public van drivers, which aims to develop greater knowledge in the prevention of risky behaviors, proper training that follows anger management principles, and positive communication skills. The passengers must also be properly educated about appropriate commuting behaviors and skills to ensure their own safety as well as the public’s, while the development of positive communication skills should also be encouraged.
