Injuries in the elderly sustained in the traffic environment.

All aged 60 or over (297 persons), injured (all causes) in the traffic environment, and treated as in- and out- patients at the Regional Hospital in Umeå, over a one- year period, were analysed. Vehicle- associated injuries became more common with advancing age, resulted in the most severe and critical (MAIS _4) injuries and the most fatalities, and cost (total and mean) more than fall injuries. In conclusion, from the injury cost point of view, it is most important to prevent vehicle- associated injuries.