Assessment of Perceived Factors of Road Safety in Rural Left-Behind Children's Independent Travel: A Case Study in Changsha, China

The disparity between urban and rural development in China has resulted in the significant migration of rural laborers to urban areas, giving rise to a growing population of left-behind children in rural areas. The number of accidental injuries among these children traveling independently is increasing, suggesting that road safety in rural areas should be of concern. This study explored factors affecting road safety for left-behind rural children traveling independently. The data were collected from a survey conducted in four villages in Changsha, China. The study used a variety of methods, including spatial syntax, linear regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise regression analysis, to analyze factors affecting road safety for rural left-behind children traveling independently. The study revealed significant differences in road safety perceptions among rural left-behind children and their guardians. Road safety perceptions were significantly higher for left-behind children. Factors such as plant density, turning angle, road scale, road slope, recognizable signs, internal corner space, animal danger, enclosure type, electronic tools, monitoring facilities, strangers, and social concerns were found to be significantly related to road safety perceptions of left-behind children traveling independently. The findings suggested that left-behind children who travel independently in rural areas face a potential risk of accidental injuries. These results can be used by decision makers to improve the rural road environment and to provide useful assistance for the healthy growth of left-behind children.