Globally older pedestrians are over-represented in pedestrian casualties when compared with other age groups. With the number of people aged 60 years and above in Australia projected to increase in the next two decades, the rate of older pedestrian accidents resulting in fatal or serious injuries can also be expected to rise. Thus there is a need to understand why older pedestrians are over-involved in crashes and those mechanisms which can enhance their safety. In order to meet this need The Pedestrian Council of Australia has commissioned this study which is being funded by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), New South Wales. The purpose of the study is to undertake a world-wide literature review based on 100 selected articles in order to identify: * factors which contribute to older pedestrian accidents and fatalities; and * measures and programs which can reduce these accidents. The review covers a range of areas including physical changes with age, location, and type of older pedestrian crashes, potential risk factors for older pedestrians, and successful or recommended countermeasures. The review brings together literature from a variety of research backgrounds, including gerontology, public health, traffic engineering, and road safety. (Author/publisher)
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