In the period 1970 through 1994, 1168 patients older than 50 years of age were treated for their injuries from pedestrian accidents at the emergency room in the University Hospital of Groningen. From the period 1970-1974 to 1990-1994 the prevalence of pedestrian accidents is steadily decreasing. The highest prevalence of pedestrian accidents was found in the age group 80-84 years and older. From the age of 60 years an increase in the percentage of patients was observed who had to stay at the hospital for clinical treatment. This result indicates that the incrementing age of severity of the injuries were also increasing. A motorized vehicle was involved in the majority of the pedestrian accidents (between 67% to 87%). No clear relationship was found between bad weather conditions and the time at which the accident took place. 27% of the injuries were located at the head or the face, followed by injuries at the lower extremities (26%).
Abstract