Injury Prevention - Pedestrian Safety

• In 2006, there were 243 reported collisions involving pedestrians in Hamilton; six of these resulted in fatalities.
  (City of Hamilton, 2005-2006 Collision Report)
• In Canada, children 5 to 9 years old remain at high risk for pedestrian injuries; in fact, it is the leading cause of injury and death for this age group.
  
  At this age, children's brains are still developing and they are not able to judge distances and vehicle speed accurately.  They may also take more risks as they begin to do more on their own.  Children under age 9 should always walk with an adult.

Most pedestrian injuries are preventable.  They are not accidents.  Drivers and pedestrians need to follow the rules of the road.

• Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

• Active & Safe Routes to School
• Safe Kids Canada Child Pedestrian Safety Information
• Older adults need age-friendly communities for walking and independent living.  Older adults need accessible senior friendly transportation.  Using bright colours to paint pavement cracks and street obstacles, like bike racks and garbage cans, and providing curb ramps and stair rails have been shown to prevent falls in the community.  Many changes to outdoor spaces and buildings can prevent falls.

To learn more about age-friendly cities visit the World Health Organization's website for the Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide.  The 'Age-friendly outdoor spaces and buildings checklist' is included in the guide.