摘要: |
In 2009, Florida reported the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the nation. At 2.51 deaths per 100,000 residents, Florida's rate was nearly twice the national average. These deaths occurred in all age groups, but compared to other age groups, older adults were significantly more likely to be injured or killed in pedestrian crashes. Those aged 65 and up are about 13% of the population, but they sustain 18% of pedestrian fatalities, highest of any age group. Pedestrian incidents that occur in traffic have been the focus of most research and the target of most new countermeasures designed to protect pedestrians. However, in suburban areas, many people do not walk on busy streets, and a significant number of pedestrian-vehicle collisions occur in nontraffic settings, such as parking lots, often involving a backing vehicle. In a series of three tasks, researchers from Florida State University sought a better understanding of pedestrian and driver behavior related to pedestrian-vehicle collisions. |