Older People
At the other end of the age spectrum, older people are another vulnerable group with different needs. Whilst they have the life experience that children do not, in general, they often do not have the agility or the reactions of a younger adult. Their eyesight can be poorer and their bodies are more fragile and brittle. These factors can increase the risk of being involved in a road accident. Once involved in an accident, they are much more likely to be injured and their injuries tend to be more serious.
Chart 5 shows the current situation regarding accidents involving older people, demonstrating less favourable progress than for other groups.
Both figures for 2004 (KSI and Slight) are above the 1994 –98 average. Chart 5a shows the same statistics for older people throughout Scotland. Although this is only up to 2003, the KSI figures are below the target line with the slights generally following the target line but with an increase in 2003.
There is no obvious explanation for poorer performance than the national experience in this group, although a higher than average older people driving population, due to our largely rural area, may be a contributory factor.
Looking at the statistics in more detail, shows that the casualty rates per thousand population for passengers (0.75) and for pedestrians (0.32)are lower in Aberdeenshire than the national average (0.89 and 0.56 respectively). However,the rate for drivers (0.83) is higher in Aberdeenshire than the national average (0.65), tending to support the above hypothesis.
Aberdeenshire Council will continue to:
- review all schemes through the safety audit process to ensure they take account of the needs of older people.
- liaise with Grampian Health Board on initiatives to help older road users.
- take the requirements of older people into account in reviewing its Local Transport Strategy.
- investigate measures specifically aimed at reducing accidents involving older people
