Dissecting pedestrian behaviour in Ghana: a cluster-based analysis of safety and risk profiles

Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant global concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where road safety measures are often lacking. In urban areas across Africa, pedestrian safety is especially critical, yet research into pedestrian behaviour in these settings is limited. This gap is addressed by applying cluster analysis to explore the role of socio-demographic factors, such as gender and education, in shaping pedestrian safety and risk perceptions. Using the Pedestrian Behaviour Scale, we identified four distinct clusters: Cluster 1, the highest-risk group, exhibited high levels of irresponsibility, recklessness, and aggressive behaviours, particularly among males. Cluster 4 represented law-abiding pedestrians with high compliance with traffic regulations. To examine the influence of socio-demographic factors, we conducted independent sample <i>t</i>-tests and Analysis of Variance, revealing significant variations in violation and error scores across demographic groups. Valuable insights are provided for urban planners and policymakers, offering data-driven recommendations to improve pedestrian safety in rapidly urbanising regions. By filling a critical gap in pedestrian safety research, it lays the groundwork for more effective interventions to reduce pedestrian fatalities and promote safer road environments in developing countries.