In cars, on bicycles, or as pedestrians: globally, elderly individuals are becoming increasingly mobile and sometimes actively participate in road traffic in various ways well into old age. This is associated with a significantly higher risk of fatal or serious injury traffic accidents (MAIS3+) compared to younger individuals. Elderly people are particularly exposed to high accident risks, especially as pedestrians and cyclists or e-bike riders. The number of accidents where no other road users are involved is particularly high. This last aspect is strongly underestimated by statistical data.
Given the increased vulnerability with advancing age, due to reduced tolerance to injuries and greater fragility, there is a higher risk of suffering more serious or fatal injuries in the event of a traffic accident compared to younger individuals.
Problem size: about 30 percent of all road deaths in the EU in recent years have involved the age group over 65, and among pedestrians and cyclists, the elderly have accounted for about half of all road deaths. In the future, the situation could worsen further in some regions of the world. For example, by 2050, one in four inhabitants in Europe and North America will be 65 years or older.
However, mortality data alone do not adequately describe the problem. Data on the severity of injuries (MAIS) are needed.
Risk factors: Road accidents involving elderly pedestrians and cyclists are influenced by a variety of different factors. Therefore, in order to develop interventions to increase the road safety of elderly pedestrians and cyclists, a highly differentiated approach is necessary, taking these factors and their interactions into account.
Human factors play a significant role in traffic accidents involving elderly pedestrians and cyclists. An interdisciplinary approach involving the field of traffic psychology, engineering, traffic medicine and other fields is essential to effectively address and prevent these accidents. Combining insights from these fields can lead to more effective strategies to enhance safety for elderly pedestrians and cyclists.
If we want to tackle the problem of traffic accidents preventively, combining different approaches to solutions seems to be the most convenient way. Effective and efficient police controls, 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas, interventions in road infrastructure to make it elderly-friendly, traffic calming, specific driving assistance systems, as well as integrated mobility concepts and other interventions. The effectiveness of these interventions must be rigorously documented. To make the implementation of these interventions possible by policymakers, an appropriate road safety culture is necessary. Without this, it will not be possible to implement unpopular measures such as 30 km/h speed limits. It is also important for the media to provide correct information about road traffic accidents in their complexity and not limited to a few spectacular road accidents. Otherwise, there is a risk that the population will lack the perception of a 'problem' that requires even unpopular interventions and, therefore, the pressure on policymakers to take action will be absent.