Pedestrian Injuries in Cities

Walking is a fundamental part of everyday travel and one of the best possible ways of getting around in cities. However, pedestrians face real risk while sharing the road with vehicles, too often resulting in injuries and deaths. Cities contribute an important proportion of this burden of pedestrian fatalities and injuries in high-income countries as well as in low-income countries. This is not surprising, since cities usually concentrate the most pedestrian and traffic encounters. This chapter explores the issue of pedestrian injuries in cities by first taking a closer look at risk factors for pedestrians. Then it expands the discussion of pedestrian injuries in cities with three case studies: the greater risk found in deprived neighbourhoods, the particular needs of senior pedestrians, and the situation in low-income countries. Finally, the chapter discusses interventions known to prevent pedestrian injuries in cities.