Road traffic accidents in the elderly--a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

The incidence of traffic injuries was studied during a two year period from 1983 to 1984 using routinely collected statistics by the Traffic Police. The severity of injuries was analysed by age and sex in different categories of road users. Causes leading to the occurrence of accidents were also examined in pedestrian victims. An annual incidence of 11,253 injuries for 1983 and 11,856 for 1984 was found. Elderly pedestrians have a relative risk of 2.5 times for sustaining traffic injuries and 8.6 times for fatal traffic injuries compared to those below 60 years of age. The leading cause in this group is crossing the road without paying attention to traffic. A high proportion of pedal cyclists, trishaw riders and tricyclists are aged 60 years and above. Prevention of traffic accidents should include modification of road design and pedestrian crossings and taking into account the needs of the elderly. Improved training for drivers can compensate some of the inadequacies of the elderly pedestrian.