Older Pedestrians Report: a 10-point plan

Sheffield City Council has carried out an investigation into road traffic collisions involving a pedestrian aged 60 and above, which includes the following findings:

• The numbers of older pedestrian casualties are not decreasing in-line with other casualty groups.

• In comparison to other authorities Sheffield’s casualty rate for older pedestrians is slightly above the average.

• Older pedestrians account for 21% of Sheffield’s population but account for 48% of all pedestrian fatalities.

• Most collisions take place in the winter months and in recent years have peaked in October.

• 77% of collisions take place between 9am and 5pm and there are slightly more collisions on a Tuesday and Friday with the least being on a Sunday.

• The casualty rate increases up to the age of 84 but then begins to decline slightly.

• Beyond the age of 70 males have a much higher casualty rate than females.

• The main reason for the collision taking place is the older pedestrian stepping put into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

• Most collisions take place in prime shopping areas.