Emergency Response and Other Traffic Safety Equity Perceptions in Hawaii

Abstract

The focus of this study was on geographic and social equity in traffic safety. Literature review on equity, minorities, transportation equity, traffic safety equity, and emergency medical services (EMS) response time guided the development of a lengthy, electronic survey with 31 major questions. Five transportation equity questions and eight questions on rural safety were selected for in-depth analysis. People's perception in EMS response between rural and urban areas is about the same. The respondents disagreed with (1) paying more taxes to improve EMS response in rural areas; (2) converting rural roads into high standard roads to make them safer; and (3) paying more taxes to raise the standard of rural roads. The 813 responses analyzed so far indicate that ambulance response in rural roadways, and hidden, missing, or defaced traffic signs were perceived as moderately problematic. Faded or worn out lane markings, and lighting at night, were perceived as problematic. © 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.