• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.843-853
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to find out the characteristics of elderly pedestrian accidents and to suggest policy implications to enhance the level of elderly pedestrian safety. Although much efforts has made to enhance traffic safety environment, pedestrian traffic accidents among elderly population are not significantly decreased. This is mainly because current traffic safety measures do not much consider the characteristics of elderly pedestrians in the aspects of physical and psychological conditions. Main findings from vehicle-pedestrian traffic accident data and survey are as follows. First elderly pedestrians have high probability of traffic accident near crosswalks or cross streets rather than on crosswalk or cross streets. Second they need more green light time for crossing the streets. Third, they feel motor cycles running on the side walk and parked vehicles on the side walk are the most dangerous factors. Forth, general drivers do not have reasonable understanding for the walking behaviors of elderly pedestrians. Fifth, elderly pedestrians frequently need to rest while walking. Sixth, elderly people do not see clearly or understand traffic signs. Finally, many elderly pedestrians experience accidents or inconvenience while walking on the sidewalk.