A total of 13.2% of all senior citizens aged 65 and over who were involved in road traffic accidents were pedestrians (injured or killed). If only those killed in road traffic in this age group are considered, the proportion of pedestrians killed is 24.7%. In comparison, the corresponding proportion of car occupants killed was just under 46%. Due to the increased participation of older people in road traffic as a result of demographic development, an increase in the number of pedestrians involved in accidents is to be expected. This justifies the necessity to ensure the safe mobility of elderly road users as pedestrians. This study follows on from the BASt project 'The elderly in road traffic – analyses of requirements in the context of life circumstances, lifestyles and expectations of relevance to traffic safety' which was mainly focused on car drivers. A central objective of this predecessor study was to achieve a differentiated characterisation of different lifestyle groups, which can be used in the development and implementation of road traffic safety measures for older pedestrians. The new focus on pedestrians in the present SENIORWALK study is based on the theoretical and conceptual foundations of said SENIORLIFE study, but means a new operationalisation of the theoretical concepts in order to develop a survey instrument tailored to pedestrians. Personal needs, expectations and perceived barriers and hazards of pedestrians relevant to road safety and mobility are captured. The study aims to derive concrete recommendations for the implementation of measures for the overall group of elderly pedestrians as well as for different lifestyle groups based on the findings and theory. The basis for this study is a representative survey (N=2,099) of people aged 55 and older. This stipulation permits comparisons to be made between younger and older senior citizens. In addition to the presentation of extensive descriptive results, a description of six identified lifestyle groups of seniors is given with regard to their risk as pedestrians in road traffic as well as their expectations and problems. The lifestyle groups of pedestrians differ significantly in the expression of road safety-relevant expectations and behaviours, but not in the number of reported accidents. The validity of two theoretical models to explain (1) the exposure to walking and accident risk and (2) crossing a road as an elderly pedestrian could be confirmed within the framework of path analyses. The results thus support the theoretical foundations chosen in this SENIORWALK project. A number of measures are recommended to maintain or improve the traffic safety of elderly pedestrians, such as support through targeted safety communication (e.g. counselling, education, campaigns) and adaptation of infrastructure (e.g. accessibility) to the needs of this road user group. However, improved vehicle design and technology can also help to avoid pedestrian accidents or - in the event of a collision - to mitigate their consequences. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting