Safety of older pedestrians: strategy for future research and action initiatives

While older pedestrian crashes are relatively few in number, their rates are significant per head of population. Moreover, with expected increases in the proportion and mobility of older people in the years ahead, the problem will only get worse without active intervention. This review aimed to identify issues of relevance to the safety of older pedestrians and prioritise research and countermeasures for future initiatives. A literature review was conducted along with discussions with local and overseas specialists to highlight management and research issues likely to be of relevance. A total of 16 action and 14 research items were then distributed to a panel of Australian and international gerontology experts where these items were rated in terms of their likely importance for improved older pedestrian safety. Priority action initiatives emphasised more pedestrian friendly environments in high older pedestrian areas, while research into exposure, travel patterns and older pedestrian road crossing behaviour were recommended.