Pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes continue to be a serious problem in the United States, particularly involving pedestrians aged 65 and over. To address this serious highway safety problem, researchers completed an analysis of more than 70,000 fatal pedestrian crashes nationwide which occurred between 1980 and 1990. Another 26,000 pedestrian crashes from the state of North Carolina were also analysed over this same time period. Results of these analyses revealed that older pedestrians (age 65 and above) were slightly less likely than younger pedestrians to be struck by a motor vehicle, but once struck, older pedestrians are two to four times more likely to be killed than younger age groups. Older pedestrians are also groups. Older pedestrians are also overrepresented in crashes at intersections (particulary involving turning vehicles) and in crashes involving wide street crossings, during daylight hours, and in wintertime. Alcohol involvement, however, was much more likely to be a factor for pedestrians aged 25 to 44. Young male pedestrians aged 6-10 were much more likely to be struck than any other age group, particulary from midblock dart-out crashes. Results of the analyses were used to target specific countermeasures. A variety of educational, enforcement, and roadway improvements were recommended to reduce the annual toll of injuries and fatalities to older pedestrians. (A)
Abstract