Fatal pedestrian accidents in France: a typological analysis.

This study examines reports on fatal pedestrian accidents which occurred in France between March 1990 and February 1991. 1289 pedestrians were killed in these accidents. The main characteristics of pedestrians were analyzed: age and sex, movements, change of transport mode and alcohol impairment. In order to describe the relationships between the different criteria, a typology of pedestrian accidents is proposed. It is based on a correspondence analysis, followed by a classification. This classification clearly identifies four groups: elderly pedestrians who were crossing a road in an urban area; children involved in daytime accidents in urban areas whilst playing or running; intoxicated pedestrians involved in night-time accidents in the country whilst walking on the carriageway: pedestrians involved in secondary accidents and changes of transport mode. It is recommended to adapt information campaigns or education programs to the pedestrian group they address.