The objective was to compare pedestrian fatality and injury rates to the national road fatality and injury rates; and to identify the age groups of pedestrians who are over represented in fatalities and injuries. The national accident records for the year 1997 in Jordan were analyzed; and pedestrian fatalities and injuries were categorized into 13 age groups. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries were then normalized by population and total fatalities and injuries to identify which groups were over represented. Children and the elderly were found to be at high risk as pedestrians. Lack of knowledge by children about the safe crossing behavior and the inability of the elderly to sustain and/ or easily recover from injury may explain this result. Pedestrian safety measures in Jordan should be designed to overcome the limitations of children and elderly pedestrians as a prime target. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting