In the period 1986-1995, the number of pedestrian casualties decreased by 26% in Denmark. But since 1981 up to 1993-95, the risk of being killed or injured per walked km has only decreased by 8%, due to a decline in walking as a mode of transport. However, the 8% is slightly uncertain. Walking as a mode of transport is - according to the official statistics collected by the police - about 8 times (trips shorter than 300 m excluded) as dangerous per person km as travel by private cars or as dangerous as cycling. If the risk instead is worked out per trip or travelled hour, walking is actually safer than both the private car or cycling. Elderly pedestrians over 74 years of age have a very high risk of being killed compared to younger pedestrians. It is also more dangerous to walk in darkness than in daylight, especially in rural areas. Since 20% of the killed pedestrians are under the influence of alcohol, it is safe to say that drunk pedestrians also are a high risk group. About 75% of pedestrian accidents happen when pedestrians are crossing the road. The largest challenge is therefore to reduce the risk for crossing pedestrians. Based on a literature study and analyses of Danish pedestrian accidents, a list of attained and estimated safety effects for pedestrians when implementing safety measures is presented. Among these measures are zebra crossings, pedestrian refuges and roundabouts.
Abstract