Speeding behavior and associated factors in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive speed is a major risk factor for serious injuries and death. However, speeding remains a pervasive problem around the world. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with speeding behavior in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: A sample of vehicles (n = 34,967) from ten locations in the city was observed in two waves during 2021. Measurements were made at different times and days of the week. Observation sites were free of intersections, traffic lights, speed bumps and cameras, allowing drivers to speed freely. Data on speed, drivers and vehicle types were collected. Factors associated with speeding were identified through logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: 15.3% of vehicles were observed to be speeding. Roads with posted speed limits of 40 km/h showed higher speeding compared to 60 km/h roads. 77% of vehicles traveled above 30 km/h on local roads, and 30% above 50 km/h on avenues. Motorcycles, both commercial and private, showed a higher percentage of speeding compared to all other vehicles. Speeding was lower among women, among adults over 60 years of age, and among those using cell phones. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to strengthen strategies for increased compliance with speed limits. Actions targeting motorcyclists must be a priority.

Seguridad vial infantil: estudio observacional en jardines de infantes de la ciudad de Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, 2022 / Children's road safety: Observational study in kindergartens of the city of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las conductas preventivas, como el uso de casco o los sistemas de retención infantil, son un factor clave para la seguridad vial. En Argentina, la adopción de estas medidas es particularmente baja en población infantil. Los objetivos fueron: a) conocer el porcentaje de conductas preventivas en niños y adultos acompañantes que viajan a jardines de infantes en tres modos de transporte (vehículos motorizados de cuatro ruedas, motovehículos y bicicletas); b) identificar factores asociados al uso de tales medidas; y c) analizar la relación entre las conductas preventivas, las condiciones viales del entorno inmediato a los jardines y el nivel de vulnerabilidad socioambiental en la zona de emplazamiento. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se observó a 462 conductores y 508 niños en 13 jardines de infantes municipales de la ciudad de Mar del Plata. RESULTADOS: En moto, 18,3% de los niños usaba casco. En vehículos de cuatro ruedas, 12,5% utilizaba algún sistema de sujeción. En bicicleta, solo un niño empleaba casco. En casos de conductores sin dispositivos de seguridad y en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad, era más común que los niños viajaran desprotegidos. Los entornos viales con más falencias se ubicaron en sitios de alta vulnerabilidad y se asociaron a una menor proporción de conductas preventivas. DISCUSIÓN: Los resultados constituyen un aporte relevante para el desarrollo de políticas en seguridad vial infantil.

More than a year of pandemic: Longitudinal assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the argentine general population during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed daily life and the way we interact with others. It has also brought negative psychological consequences: several studies have reported increased levels of distress symptomatology at the onset of the pandemic. However, few longitudinal studies have been carried out, and even fewer in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse longitudinally the anxiety and depressive symptomatology of the Argentine general population during the first 13 months of the pandemic. The total sample included 988 adults (ages 18-77) from different regions of Argentina. Open-access surveys were distributed via social media at five time points (March, April, May, August 2020 and April 2021). Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mixed repeated-measures ANOVA were applied, with time as a within-subjects factor, and socioeconomic status, gender, and age group as between-subjects factors. Results showed a progressive increases in anxiety (F (27.78, 3417.60) = 62.88, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.060) and depression (F (3.42, 3373.75) = 84.78, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.079) symptoms in the general population throughout the pandemic (except for a slight decrease in anxiety in Wave 2). All of the between-subjects factors showed significant effects on both types of symptoms: female gender, younger age and lower income were associated with greater depression and anxiety in all waves. A time-age interaction effect was found (F (10.26, 3364.05)  = 2.99, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.009): after the third wave, depressive symptoms tended to decrease or stabilise in the young adult group, whereas there was a positive linear increase in the older groups. This study provided evidence that anxiety and depression symptoms tend to increase during crisis contexts, and that this effect is even more pronounced for certain vulnerable population groups. Mental health monitoring and support interventions should be included in government strategies to deal with the long-term impact of the pandemic.

Pedestrian crossing behavior, an observational study in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: Pedestrian crashes are a critical problem in Latin American countries. However, little research has been published about pedestrians and even less about their behaviors in a naturalistic context. The objective of the present research was to explore risky pedestrian crossing behaviors in traffic intersections in an argentine city (Ushuaia). It is focused in different stages of the crossing process, traffic code violations, and other potentially risky behaviors such as distractions. A high frequency of risky behaviors among pedestrians was expected. Moreover, according to previous findings, it was hypothesized that men and younger pedestrians would show riskier behaviors. METHODS: Participants were 802 pedestrians (53.9% females) observed at several intersections (with and without traffic lights) in the city of Ushuaia. Behaviors were codified following a standardized observation protocol. Observers documented information on behavior previous to, during, and after crossing. Gender and age were also registered. Data were gathered through video recording. Frequency analyses of observed behaviors were conducted for the total sample, as well as by gender and by age group. A general crossing risk index was calculated to facilitate comparisons between the genders and age groups. We conducted an analysis of variance to evaluate gender and age differences for this index. RESULTS: A high proportion of risky behaviors were observed among pedestrians. The majority of pedestrian waited in the street (as opposed to on the sidewalk) before crossing, did not comply with traffic lights, or crossed outside the crosswalk. A large number of pedestrians were distracted while crossing. Men presented higher scores on risky behaviors than women. No differences were observed by age group. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of risk behaviors during the different stages of street crossing is worrisome and reinforces the idea that pedestrians are responsible for many of the conflicts with motorists. Many of the risky behaviors seem to be associated with gender, which is in line with the previous literature showing more risk behaviors among men than among women. No differences were found for age group. Findings are interpreted considering some features of the Argentine road culture.

Trabajo y salud en conductores de taxis / Working and health in taxi drivers

RESUMEN La conducción de taxis es una actividad potencialmente insalubre debido a las condiciones laborales que caracterizan la tarea, como la informalidad o la exposición a diferentes fuentes de riesgos para la salud. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue aportar información sobre las condiciones laborales, el estado de salud, los hábitos y las estrategias de afrontamiento de los conductores. En el estudio par ticiparon 421 conductores de taxi. Los datos se obtuvieron por medio de un cuestionario de auto-informe. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos sobre los diferentes aspectos estudiados. Los resultados indicaron que la jornada laboral típica era de 10 o 12 horas, que el riesgo de participar en un siniestro o de ser asaltado durante la jornada laboral era elevado, que los problemas de salud física y emocional más prevalentes eran dolores músculo-esqueléticos, mal humor e irritabilidad, sensación de cansancio y ansiedad, que los hábitos alimenticios eran poco saludables y bajos los niveles de actividad física, y que las estrategias de afrontamiento típicas eran de carácter paliativo e individual. El artículo aporta datos con una población latinoamericana, una región en la que no se ha generado mucha evidencia empírica sobre el problema. Se brindan recomen daciones para posibles intervenciones preventivas.

ABSTRACT Taxi driving is a potentially unhealthy activity due to working conditions such as piecework or the exposure to different sources of health risk. Some of the typical problems in the industry have been widely studied (e.g. car crashes) while others have received less attention (e.g. coping strategies). Moreover, most of the research comes from Anglo-Saxon, European or Eastern coutries. Much less is known about the problem in Latin America. The aim of the present paper was to study working condi tions and health status in taxi drivers from a Latinamerican country. The study include different aspects of the problem that have been previously studied separately. Participants were 42 taxi drivers, mostly male. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Participants gave information about their working conditions, health status, healthy and unhealthy habits, and coping strategies. Results indicated that the typical working day of a taxi driver ranges from 10 to 12 hours; that drivers have an elevated risk of being involved in a car crash or an assault; that the most prevalent physical or emotional problems are musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, bad mood, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disorders; that unhealthy eating habit and low levels of pshysical activity prevail; and that coping strategies are mainly palliative and individual. Finally, some recommendations for the development of preventive actions are given.

Prevalencia y evolución del uso de casco en ocupantes de motocicletas en una ciudad argentina (Mar del Plata, 2006-2014) / Prevalence and evolution of helmet use in motorcycle riders in an Argentine city (Mar del Plata, 2006-2014)

RESUMEN Los siniestros viales que involucran a motociclistas conforman un problema creciente en los países de ingresos bajos y medios. La medida de protección por excelencia en estos usuarios viales es el casco. Sin embargo, una proporción considerable de motociclistas no lo usa. El objetivo de este trabajo es informar la evolución del uso de casco durante el periodo 2006-2014 en una ciudad de Argentina, y conocer los factores asociados durante el año 2014. La muestra incluye más de 6.900 observaciones de motociclistas, registradas en los años 2006 (n=962), 2008 (n=977), 2012 (n=2.542) y 2014 (n=2.466). Los datos indican un aumento progresivo del uso de casco a través del tiempo, aunque se sostienen las diferencias por género y función. Los factores asociados al uso de casco en conductores durante el año 2014 fueron el uso en pasajeros, el tipo de moto, la presencia de patente y el género. Aunque los resultados son positivos, conviene alertar sobre las consecuencias negativas del aumento del parque de motos.

ABSTRACT Traffic collisions involving motorcyclists are a growing problem in low and middle income countries. Helmet use is the foremost protective measure for this group of road users, however many riders do not wear them. The objective of the present study is to report the changes in helmet use during the period 2006-2014 in an Argentine city and discover associated factors for the year 2014. The sample includes more than 6,900 observations of motorcyclists carried out during the years 2006 (n=962), 2008 (n=977), 2012 (n=2,542), and 2014 (n=2,466). The data indicates a progressive increase in helmet use over time, but differences due to gender and type of rider remain. Factors associated to helmet use in motorcycle drivers during 2014 were: passenger helmet use, motorcycle type, license plate use and gender. Although the results are positive, it is necessary to be attentive to the negative consequences of the growing fleet of motorcycles.

[Prevalence and evolution of helmet use in motorcycle riders in an Argentine city (Mar del Plata, 2006-2014)]. / Prevalencia y evolución del uso de casco en ocupantes de motocicletas en una ciudad argentina (Mar del Plata, 2006-2014).

Traffic collisions involving motorcyclists are a growing problem in low and middle income countries. Helmet use is the foremost protective measure for this group of road users, however many riders do not wear them. The objective of the present study is to report the changes in helmet use during the period 2006-2014 in an Argentine city and discover associated factors for the year 2014. The sample includes more than 6,900 observations of motorcyclists carried out during the years 2006 (n=962), 2008 (n=977), 2012 (n=2,542), and 2014 (n=2,466). The data indicates a progressive increase in helmet use over time, but differences due to gender and type of rider remain. Factors associated to helmet use in motorcycle drivers during 2014 were: passenger helmet use, motorcycle type, license plate use and gender. Although the results are positive, it is necessary to be attentive to the negative consequences of the growing fleet of motorcycles.

Measuring individual differences in driver inattention: further validation of the attention-related driving errors scale.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was (a) to study driver inattention as a trait-like variable and (b) to provide new evidence of validity for the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES). BACKGROUND: Driving inattention is approached from an individual differences perspective. We are interested in how drivers vary in their propensity to experience failures of attention and in the methods to measure these differences. METHOD: In a first sample (n = 301), we tested, via confirmatory factor analysis, a new theoretical model for the ARDES. In a second sample (n = 201), we evaluated the relationship between inattention and internal and external sources of distraction and social desirability bias in ARDES responses. A subsample (n = 65) was reevaluated to study temporal stability of the ARDES scores. RESULTS: Errors measured by the ARDES can be classified according to the driving task level at which they occur (navigation, maneuvering, or control). Differences in ARDES scores based on collision history were observed. ARDES was related to internal sources of distraction and was independent of the level of exposure to distracting activities. Test-retest showed a high degree of stability in ARDES scores. Low correlations were found with a social desirability measure. CONCLUSION: ARDES appears to measure a personal trait that remains relatively stable over time and is relatively independent of distracting activities. New evidence of validity emerged for this self-report. APPLICATION: ARDES can be used to measure individual differences in driving inattention and to help tailor preventive interventions for inattentive drivers. It can serve as an instrument of driver self-assessment in educational and training contexts.

A study on the relationship between personality and driving styles.

OBJECTIVE: Research on driving behavior and personality traits is a key factor in the development of driver-oriented safety interventions. However, research is fragmented and a multidimensional perspective is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to assess the multiple relationships between driving styles and personality traits using the alternative 5-factor model. A secondary goal is to determine whether these relationships vary by gender and age. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of 908 Argentine drivers. Driving styles were assessed using the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory. Personality was assessed with the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ-50-CC; Aluja et al. 2006) questionnaire. RESULTS: Different patterns of personality are associated with different driving styles. These relationships appear to be robust with respect to gender and age; however, in some cases these variables did influence the observed relationships. CONCLUSION: The results provide researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships between personality traits and driving styles. Practical prevention measures are discussed.

La inatención como factor de riesgo en conductores de moto / Inattention as a risk factor for motorcycle drivers

Los choques que involucran motociclistas constituyen un problema creciente. No obstante, es poco lo que se conoce sobre sus patrones de desplazamiento, y sus comportamientos de riesgo y protección. En este trabajo se evalúa si la inatención en conductores de motos constituye un factor de riesgo para choques de tránsito y si ciertas variables personales se relacionan con las fallas atencionales durante la conducción. Se trabajó con una muestra de 110 motociclistas de población general de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que respondieron un instrumento de evaluación de la inatención durante la conducción, una medida general sobre error atencional, una escala de experiencias disociativas, una medida de deseabilidad social, un cuestionario de actividades distractoras durante la conducción, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos e historial de incidentes de tránsito. La escala de inatención durante la conducción para motociclistas (Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale-Motorcyclists –ARDES-M) fue desarrollada y validada en este estudio. Se brindan datos sobre su validez dimensional y de constructo y sobre su fiabilidad en términos de consistencia interna. Según los resultados, los errores atencionales durante la conducción están correlacionados con características generales de funcionamiento atencional. Por otra parte, los conductores que incurrieron en más fallas de atención informaron un mayor historial de choques y multas de tránsito. Los resultados de esta investigación pueden proporcionar información relevante para el diseño de medidas preventivas y educativas para motociclistas.

As colisões que envolvem motociclistas constituem um problema crescente. Não obstante, é pouco o que se conhece sobre os padrões de deslocamento, os comportamentos de risco e os comportamentos de proteção dos motociclistas. Este trabalho avalia se a falta de atenção em condutores de motos constitui um fator de risco para acidentes de trânsito e se certas variáveis pessoais se relacionam com as falhas de atenção durante a condução. Trabalhou-se com uma amostra de 110 motociclistas da população geral da cidade de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que responderam um instrumento de avaliação de desatenção durante a condução (ARDES-M), uma medida geral sobre erro de atenção (ARCES), uma escala de experiências dissociativas (DES), uma medida de desejabilidade social, um índice de atividades distrativas durante a condução e um questionário de dados sociodemográficos e histórico de incidentes de trânsito. A escala de desatenção durante a condução para os motociclistas (Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale – ARDES-M) foi desenvolvida e validada neste estudo. Segundo os resultados, os erros relacionados à falta de atenção durante a condução estão correlacionados com características gerais de funcionamento da atenção. Por outro lado, os condutores que incorrem em mais falhas de atenção informaram um maior histórico de colisões e multas de trânsito. Esta investigação poderia proporcionar informação relevante para o planejamento de medidas preventivas e educativas para motociclistas.

La inatención como factor de riesgo en conductores de moto

Los choques que involucran motociclistas constituyen un problema creciente. No obstante, es poco lo que se conoce sobre sus patrones de desplazamiento, y sus comportamientos de riesgo y protección. En este trabajo se evalúa si la inatención en conductores de motos constituye un factor de riesgo para choques de tránsito y si ciertas variables personales se relacionan con las fallas atencionales durante la conducción. Se trabajó con una muestra de 110 motociclistas de población general de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que respondieron un instrumento de evaluación de la inatención durante la conducción, una medida general sobre error atencional, una escala de experiencias disociativas, una medida de deseabilidad social, un cuestionario de actividades distractoras durante la conducción, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos e historial de incidentes de tránsito. La escala de inatención durante la conducción para motociclistas (Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale-Motorcyclists –ARDES-M) fue desarrollada y validada en este estudio. Se brindan datos sobre su validez dimensional y de constructo y sobre su fiabilidad en términos de consistencia interna. Según los resultados, los errores atencionales durante la conducción están correlacionados con características generales de funcionamiento atencional. Por otra parte, los conductores que incurrieron en más fallas de atención informaron un mayor historial de choques y multas de tránsito. Los resultados de esta investigación pueden proporcionar información relevante para el diseño de medidas preventivas y educativas para motociclistas.(AU)

As colisões que envolvem motociclistas constituem um problema crescente. Não obstante, é pouco o que se conhece sobre os padrões de deslocamento, os comportamentos de risco e os comportamentos de proteção dos motociclistas. Este trabalho avalia se a falta de atenção em condutores de motos constitui um fator de risco para acidentes de trânsito e se certas variáveis pessoais se relacionam com as falhas de atenção durante a condução. Trabalhou-se com uma amostra de 110 motociclistas da população geral da cidade de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que responderam um instrumento de avaliação de desatenção durante a condução (ARDES-M), uma medida geral sobre erro de atenção (ARCES), uma escala de experiências dissociativas (DES), uma medida de desejabilidade social, um índice de atividades distrativas durante a condução e um questionário de dados sociodemográficos e histórico de incidentes de trânsito. A escala de desatenção durante a condução para os motociclistas (Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale – ARDES-M) foi desenvolvida e validada neste estudo. Segundo os resultados, os erros relacionados à falta de atenção durante a condução estão correlacionados com características gerais de funcionamento da atenção. Por outro lado, os condutores que incorrem em mais falhas de atenção informaram um maior histórico de colisões e multas de trânsito. Esta investigação poderia proporcionar informação relevante para o planejamento de medidas preventivas e educativas para motociclistas.(AU)

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de deseabilidad social del conductor (versión en español) / Psychometric properties of the diver social desirability scale (Spanish version)

La deseabilidad social del conductor se refiere a las descripciones positivamente sesgadas que las personas hacen al evaluar su propio comportamiento al conducir. Se trata de un factor que puede afectar la validez de los auto-informes, por ello, resulta necesario evaluar su presencia y posibles efectos. Este trabajo analiza las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Deseabilidad Social del Conductor (DSDS) en una muestra argentina de población general. Se aplicó a una muestra de 332 conductores de la ciudad de Mar del Plata la escala DSDS en diferentes condiciones de administración, conjuntamente con un cuestionario de datos socio-descriptivos y medidas de estilos de conducción (MDSI) y personalidad (ZQPK-50). Los resultados indican un comportamiento globalmente satisfactorio de la versión en español de la DSDS. Se obtuvo evidencia interna y externa de validez. No obstante, los resultados sugieren que podría tratarse tanto de una medida específica de sesgo de deseabilidad como de una medida relacionada con estilo de conducción.

Driver Social Desirability refers to positive biased self-descriptions given by drivers. As it could affect self-reported results, its assessment is necesary. The present study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Driver Social Desirability Scale (DSDS) in an Argentine sample. A sample of 332 drivers from Mar del Plata city was collected in different administration conditions. Participants answer a descriptive socio-demographic questionnaire, driving style measures (MDSI), and personality measures (ZKPQ-50) under four different administration conditions. A 2x2 quasiexperimental factor design was used to assess possible effects of social desirability bias. The first manipulated factor was type of administration (self-administration vs. face-to-face administration). The second manipulated factor was the anonymity of responses (anonimous vs. non- anonimous conditions). Results indicated good overall properties for the argentinean version of the DSDS. Evidence on the external and internal validity of DSDS was also gathered. However, results obtained suggest that DSDS could assess a extremely careful and law abiding driving style besides driver social desirability.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de deseabilidad social del conductor (versión en español) / Psychometric properties of the diver social desirability scale (Spanish version)

La deseabilidad social del conductor se refiere a las descripciones positivamente sesgadas que las personas hacen al evaluar su propio comportamiento al conducir. Se trata de un factor que puede afectar la validez de los auto-informes, por ello, resulta necesario evaluar su presencia y posibles efectos. Este trabajo analiza las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Deseabilidad Social del Conductor (DSDS) en una muestra argentina de población general. Se aplicó a una muestra de 332 conductores de la ciudad de Mar del Plata la escala DSDS en diferentes condiciones de administración, conjuntamente con un cuestionario de datos socio-descriptivos y medidas de estilos de conducción (MDSI) y personalidad (ZQPK-50). Los resultados indican un comportamiento globalmente satisfactorio de la versión en español de la DSDS. Se obtuvo evidencia interna y externa de validez. No obstante, los resultados sugieren que podría tratarse tanto de una medida específica de sesgo de deseabilidad como de una medida relacionada con estilo de conducción.(AU)

Driver Social Desirability refers to positive biased self-descriptions given by drivers. As it could affect self-reported results, its assessment is necesary. The present study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Driver Social Desirability Scale (DSDS) in an Argentine sample. A sample of 332 drivers from Mar del Plata city was collected in different administration conditions. Participants answer a descriptive socio-demographic questionnaire, driving style measures (MDSI), and personality measures (ZKPQ-50) under four different administration conditions. A 2x2 quasiexperimental factor design was used to assess possible effects of social desirability bias. The first manipulated factor was type of administration (self-administration vs. face-to-face administration). The second manipulated factor was the anonymity of responses (anonimous vs. non- anonimous conditions). Results indicated good overall properties for the argentinean version of the DSDS. Evidence on the external and internal validity of DSDS was also gathered. However, results obtained suggest that DSDS could assess a extremely careful and law abiding driving style besides driver social desirability.(AU)