KNOWLEDGE AND COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC RULES AMONG DRIVERS IN CAGAYAN

Due to the rising incidence of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in the province of Cagayan, the study was conducted to generate scientific information that are vital in promoting road safety in the province. Records of Cagayan Police show 2,679 cases of road accidents from 2015-2016 involving motor vehicle. Respondents were 322 drivers of public utility vehicle and private motor vehicle involved in road accident. The study assessed the drivers level of knowledge and their extent of compliance with traffic rules. Findings indicate that respondent drivers have a very high level of knowledge on rules on overtaking parking drunk and distracted driving use of seatbelt and helmet and interpretation of danger warning and informative signs but have low level of knowledge on right of way rules. They moderately comply with traffic rules on pavement markings, but as a whole, they comply much with traffic rules. Moreover, results indicate a positive relationship between level of knowledge and extent of compliance with traffic rules. From the findings, it is concluded that the drivers are conversant with most of the traffic rules and are potentially inclined to obey them except right of way rules and rules under pavement markings hence, their involvement in RTAs.Based on the findings, it is recommended that: drivers education be strengthened and the rules on right of way and the meaning of pavement markings be given emphasis during the conduct of drivers education intensification of patrol along accident prone areas and installation of electronic devices to detect traffic violations.