PENDAMPINGAN PEMODELAN LALU LINTAS DAN SOSIALISASI KESADARAN BERKENDARA BERBASIS DATA DI JALAN MERDEKA BARAT, KOTA LHOKSEUMAWE

Abstract

Low traffic literacy among road users on Merdeka Barat Road, Lhokseumawe City, contributes to unsafe driving behaviors and increased accident risks. This community service program (PKM) aimed to transfer technical traffic modeling results to stakeholders and road users through participatory validation and targeted safety socialization. Secondary traffic data were collected via field surveys on a 50-meter segment, while primary data on user understanding were gathered through pre/post questionnaires (Cronbach's α = 0.81). The program followed a structured PKM approach: needs assessment, traffic modeling using Greenshields, Greenberg, and Underwood methods, stakeholder validation workshop, community socialization, and post-intervention evaluation. Results showed that the Underwood model was most representative with free-flow speed of 40.92 km/h, characteristic density of 109.89 veh/km, and maximum flow of 1,654 veh/hour. Following socialization to 55 participants, traffic relationship understanding increased significantly by 53.3% (mean score from 4.3 to 6.6 out of 7; p<0.001). Behavioral observation 2 weeks post-intervention showed a 28.4% increase in speed adaptation compliance. The program secured initial commitment from the Lhokseumawe Traffic Safety Forum to integrate the Underwood model into quarterly safety campaigns. This PKM demonstrates that evidence-based traffic analysis, when coupled with participatory education and stakeholder engagement, can effectively improve driving awareness and road safety practices.