Statistics released by the Transport Accident Commission (the TAC) indicate that older Victorians are more at risk of being involved in a transport accident as a pedestrian than the rest of the population.

Of the 108 people who have died on Victorian roads in the 2015 calendar year, 18 of those have been pedestrians. Figures from previous years indicate that on average, one third of pedestrians who die on our roads are aged 70 years or older.

Even when the tragedy of fatalities is avoided, the consequences of a transport accident to an older person can be much more serious than if the same collision involved a younger adult. Statistics obtained from the TAC indicate that in the last 12 months, 179 Victorians aged 60 or over have required hospitalisation as a result of being struck as a pedestrian. Of that number, 35% were inpatients for more than 14 days because of the injuries they suffered in the collision.

With an ageing population one of the greatest challenges facing the Australian economy, many experts are suggesting that means of transportation for older people needs to be given greater attention if the death and injury toll to elderly pedestrians is to be reduced in any way.

Involvement in a transport accident at any age can have serious and traumatic consequences. If you or someone you know has been injured in a transport accident, we invite you to speak with one of our expert injury lawyers on (03) 9321 9988.