The Driving Forces of Road Safety Volunteers: Resilience, Coping Mechanisms, Well-being and Education

Abstract

Road safety is a critical concern worldwide, impacting individuals, communities, and societies. As mobility rises, so does the risk of accidents and injuries on roads, emphasizing the need for preventive measures. Road safety volunteers are crucial in promoting and upholding road safety, making it vital to understand their motivations and Resilience Sources. This study aims to uncover what drives their commitment and the factors influencing their experiences as volunteers, informing strategies to support and enhance their efforts. Through analysis of 28 interviews with road safety volunteers, several prominent themes emerged. These include diverse motivations, a strong sense of purpose, active community engagement, and a sense of empowerment among volunteers. Additionally, the challenges they face in their roles highlight the considerable resilience these volunteers demonstrate. The importance of support systems—whether individual or peer-based, —in strengthening this resilience was prominently underscored. These findings contribute to the understanding of the importance of promoting education on safe driving practices and fostering active citizen involvement in preventing traffic violations and road accidents.