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Walking has become a popular pastime among seniors who take to the streets for exercise or relaxation. However, roadways are extremely busy with motorists, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross. Everybody needs to remember caution while enjoying their stroll to ensure a relaxing and safe method of exercise. The consequences of crossing a busy street could prove deadly if caution and good judgement are not exercised. Pedestrian statistics involving seniors are alarming: People 65 years or older have the highest pedestrian death rate, according to a recently released Canadian report on pedestrian fatalities. "Our goal is to reduce the total number of pedestrian deaths," says Paul Allen, manager of Road Safety for Manitoba Public Insurance. "Pedestrian fatalities involving seniors are a major concern of ours." Sadly, elderly pedestrian deaths account for 24% of all elderly motor vehicle deaths compared to 16% for children 14 years and under. There are several factors which can explain why seniors become involved in collisions with vehicles. Medical studies have reported that reaction time slows down as people advance in years. Physical difficulties brought on by aging must also be taken into consideration when crossing a street or busy roadway. Many seniors today require the assistance of a walker, or motorized cart to allow them to be mobile, albeit at a slower pace. To ensure a safe crossing at a busy street it's important to wait until traffic is clear. Preferably, crossing the street at a controlled intersection is the safest route to take. But good judgement must also be used in this situation. In some instances, the pedestrian is unable to safely cross the street due to a fast timer on the street light mechanisms. In this situation, the pedestrian should exercise caution and wait on the meridian until the light changes in their favor. Walking against a street light is not only an unwise decision, but could prove deadly in some situations. Oftentimes motorists are concentrating so heavily on the road and traffic around them, they are unaware of pedestrians. Seniors who live in larger urban centres must be particularly attentive due to the increase in vehicle traffic. Those who live in Winnipeg can attest to how busy some of the streets can become; particularly in the downtown area during the rush hours of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Exercising good judgement is the first step in reducing injuries and deaths. Many motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes are due to unsafe crossing behavior by children and adults. Remember: Always observe the pedestrian signal markers. "It's very important to walk alert," says Allen. "Cross intersections defensively. Pedestrians should always be on the alert for turning vehicles. Pedestrians do have the legal right to be there, but that doesn't protect them from the carelessness of some motorists." A recent study reported that 94% of collisions involving pedestrians occurred in urban areas. When crossing the street, regardless of the availability of signals, cross as quickly as possible. It's important to remember the pedestrian should try to minimize their time in the roadway. "No matter what age you are, it's important to stop at the curb and look all around before stepping out onto the street," says Allen. "Even if the light is green, it's important to walk defensively." Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to a defensive approach of driving or walking. Between 1992 and 1998, 120 pedestrians were killed and 4,278 were injured in traffic collisions. Pedestrians should be careful not to be lulled into a false sense of security during daylight hours. While the driver's vision may be improved during daylight hours, there is no guarantee the motorist will see the pedestrian. Allen notes that almost two in three collisions involving pedestrians occurred during daylight. "Pedestrians should be aware it can be dangerous crossing a street during the daytime hours," says Allen. Pedestrians can never assume what the motorists are thinking. Regardless what age you are, it's important to exercise caution while walking. Before stepping off the curb, make sure that all vehicles in the roadway have stopped for you and that all drivers can see you. Just because one car has stopped doesn't mean a car coming from behind or in an adjacent lane will stop. Of the total pedestrian victims, the most frequent pedestrian action was crossing at an intersection (20.8%) and crossing the roadway between intersections (11.5%). "Always watch for turning vehicles," says Allen. "Many times the driver may be distracted and won't see the pedestrian." An enjoyable walk at night is another popular summer activity for many seniors. To ensure an event-free stroll, the pedestrian can take certain precautions. "Try to use well-lit streets," says Allen. "Or when you're walking carry a flashlight - try to make yourself more visible. In the case of personal safety, every precaution should be taken." Pedestrians would be wise to wear light-colored or reflective clothing when walking on or near roads at night. Many people who walk regularly have taken to wearing fabric retro-reflective tape worn around their arm. This reflective tape is visible to a driver at 200 metres. "Pedestrians should be able to enjoy their walks without fear of injury," says Allen. "But it's always important to remember that if you don't use good judgement, you're putting yourself in a position of possible danger." Revised by Brian Smiley, Aug. 2, 2000
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