Abstract
PURPOSES : In this study, we analyzed the road crossing behavior of older pedestrians on a mid-block signalized crosswalk, and compared it to that of younger pedestrians. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between accidents involving older pedestrians while crossing roads and their behavioral characteristics. Finally, we confirmed the reasons for an increase in accidents involving older pedestrians. METHODS : First, 30 areas with the highest incidence of accidents involving older pedestrians while crossing roads were selected as target areas for analysis. Next, we measured the start-up delay (the time elapsed from the moment the signal turns green to the moment the pedestrian starts walking) and head movement (the number of head turns during crossing a road) of 900 (450 older and 450 younger) pedestrians. The next step was to conduct a survey and confirm the differences in judgment between older and younger pedestrians about approaching vehicles. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between the survey results and traffic accidents. RESULTS : The average start-up delay and head movement of the older pedestrians was 1.58 seconds and 3.15 times, respectively. A definite correlation was obtained between head movement and the frequency of pedestrian traffic accidents. The results of our survey indicate that 17.3% of the older pedestrians and 7.8% of the younger pedestrians have a high crash risk. CONCLUSIONS : Behavioral characteristics of older pedestrians were closely correlated with accidents involving older pedestrians while crossing roads in mid-block signalized crosswalks. Our study indicates that in order to reduce the number of accidents involving older pedestrians, it is necessary to develop an improvement plan including measures such as installation of safety facilities taking the behavioral characteristics of older pedestrians into consideration and their safety education.
