Understanding road traffic risk from the street hawkers' perspective.

This study explored street hawkers’ lived experiences and risks in traffic using the phenomenological
case study design. Data from 24 hawkers at three hawking spots and field observations form the basis
of our study. A stratified purposeful sampling scheme was employed to ensure a balance of gender
and age. Thematic data analytic strategy was employed in the data analysis. We found that participants’
traffic incidents were mainly self-induced, attributable to their negligence on the road, indiscriminate
road crossing and car-following behaviour. Our results suggest a perceived relationship
between socio-demographic characteristics and personal traffic accident encounters. Also, we noted
that the ability to manage traffic risk seem to influence hawkers’ traffic risk perceptions, with gender
and age as possible mediators. As this study is exploratory, we recommend further scientific enquiry to
explain these issues and to provide the basis for appropriate interventions to manage the road safety
implications of this activity.