Road Safety for adults
Too many people think they are too old to give road safety consideration. Unfortunately too many also die through lack of thought. Around 2000 people are killed on UK roads. How would you or your family feel if you were part of next years statistics.
Senior citizens comprise of about 13 percent of the population, but account for 22 percent of all pedestrian fatalities and injuries – meaning that this group are almost twice as likely to be killed by an automobile as members of the general public. As a group, senior citizens are particularly dependent on safe streets for walking because many of them no longer drive.
Most elderly pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to lack of concentration, medical conditions or the effects of medication. Therefore, the elderly pedestrians should take street crossing seriously and appreciate the dangers. There is a very serious risk posed to elderly, even if hit by a relatively small vehicle. Although most elderly pedestrian fatalities occur during the daytime, it is important to note that evening pedestrian incidents often involve alcohol on the part of the pedestrian. Thus elderly pedestrians should be particularly careful not to get too intoxicated if they are going to be walking near traffic.
Because peripheral vision diminishes as people get older, reflexes slow and the ability to move quickly and in an agile manner decrease, it can take longer to cross road and, it is harder to deal with situations that require prompt evasive action. Eyesight and hearing often become less acute and judgment of traffic distance and speed can deminish. Therefore, elderly pedestrians should allow themselves plenty of time to cross the road. They should make eye contact with drivers if possible to ensure that they are noticed. Also it is important to stop before crossing the road so as to allow time to check for traffic and make appropriate decisions.
Make sure you follow the advice below to keep yourself safe.
- If you have a child with you, make sure that you set a good example – point out hazards and, if the child is young, hold their hand at all times.
- Always use Zebra, Pelican, Puffin or Toucan Crossings if possible, even if it means walking a little bit further.
- Use traffic islands if possible, making sure that you stop on the island and look again for traffic before continuing to cross.
- Use “pinch points on roads. They are designed to reduce the road width helping you reach the opposite side quicker. They also slow vehicles down.
- Avoid crossing between parked cars, as drivers will be unable to see you.
- As you cross, make sure you keep looking both ways.
- If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, always use them when you’re out walking.
- Try to make sure you always wear or carry something white or bright, particularly on dull or misty days, so that you can be easily seen. Fluorescent colours are best during the day, but won’t be seen in the dark, so at night you need something reflective.
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