Pedestrian and Cyclist Road Accidents

Some of the general characteristics of accidents involving the “other road users”, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are described. The age groups particularly at risk are illustrated and then the collision circumstances for each road user are discussed in some detail. The relative frequencies of collisions with vehicles of various types are outlined, and in the case of the car the mechanisms causing injury are given based on at-the-scene studies of accidents in the Midlands. In pedestrian accidents the frequency with which the various exterior parts of the car cause injury show the importance of improving lower limb contacts with bumpers. Some general implications concerning segretation of road users and the importance of improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists are discussed and the specific problem of the drinking pedestrian is shown to be of consequence.