Fatal crashes in the elderly (60 years and older; n=379) in Northern Sweden in the traffic environment, between 1977 and 1986, were investigated using autopsy and police reports. Males had double the death rate as females. The car occupants made up the largest category (43%) followed by pedestrians, pedal cyclists and two-wheel-motor-vehicle (TWMV) riders, but fatalities per unit distance travelled was highest for pedestrians and pedal cyclists. Most car occupants were killed in vehicle-vehicle crashes, mostly in daylight and at intersections or straight roads. Ice and/or snow (31%) was the major pre-crash factor. In two thirds of single car crashes, roadside hazards such as trees were involved. Most elderly fatally-injured car drivers were responsible for the crash and they were commonly involved in collisions with oncoming vehicles. Only 4% of the fatally-injured car drivers were driving under the influence of alcohol. Head injuries appeared to be more common in side impacts than in frontal impacts. Serious chest injuries were more common than head injuries in car crashes. A quarter of the pedestrians were injured at pedestrian crossings and about half during darkness. One in six pedestrians were under the influence of alcohol. All pedal cyclists were injured in collisions with motor vehicles and most were injured at intersections. Pedestrians, pedal cyclists and TWMV riders had more serious head injuries than chest injuries.
Abstract