Road traffic accidents and the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and evaluate the causes and characteristics of road traffic accidents (RTA) and to analyze injury patterns in elderly road traffic victims in order to apply appropriate measures for the prevention of RTA in the elderly.


METHODS
Two hundred and fifty-eight elderly road traffic victims admitted to the Emergency and Traumatology Departments of our institution were enrolled. Complete data about the circumstances surrounding the accident, mechanism of injury, specific injury, comorbid conditions and drug history were recorded. All subjects underwent a physical and mental function examination.


RESULTS
The majority of road traffic victims were pedestrians. Most elderly pedestrian accidents were due to falls. Accidents by elderly car drivers occurred frequently at intersections. Craniocerebral and extremity injuries formed the majority of the injuries in pedestrian and cyclist victims whereas chest injuries were commoner in car accident victims. Medical problems and medication usage was common among RTA victims.


CONCLUSIONS
The fragility of elderly car occupants and pedestrians should be taken into consideration and strategies aimed at the road-user safety including periodic medical screening, improvement of road structure and facilities, and the improved design of motor vehicles should be implemented.
Abou-Raya
Suzan
S
Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. suzanraya@yahoo.com
ElMeguid
Leila Abd
LA
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D016138:Walking / Q000293:injuries*