The survey of traffic behavior among elderly pedestrian in Zanjan 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable groups in traffic accidents and at greater risk than other road users. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that play a major role in the high-risk behaviors of pedestrians crossing the road. This study aims to investigate the traffic behaviors of the elderly pedestrians in Zanjan, Iran. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed on 600 elderly people aged 60 years old and older in Zanjan during 2018-2019. The participants were selected using multistage sampling method from healthcare. To collect the data, Pedestrian behavior questionnaire was used. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software and appropriate statistical tests (regression, ANOVA, and t-test). Results:. More than 90% of the elderly showed unsafe traffic behaviors. The frequency of the behaviors related to Adhering to traffic rules , positive behaviors, and violation and aggressive behaviors among elderly men was higher than that among the elderly women. However, distraction level among elderly women was higher than that among elderly men. The results indicated a significant correlation between the elderly traffic behavior and educational level, marital status, and gender, so that the male and married elderly had safer traffic behaviors. Moreover, the elderly people with Master’s level or higher education had safer traffic behaviors. Conclusion: Most of the elderly people had unsafe traffic behaviors. Therefore, necessary interventions should be made to improve their behaviors. Keywords: Elderly people; Pedestrians; Traffic behavior; Iran