As seniors become more active and engaged in their communities, it's essential to prioritize their safety in public spaces. With age, we slowly lose our ability to react quickly and our senses are not as sharp as they used to be. That also means seniors aren’t able to sport danger right away and they’re at risk more than the average person.
Streets and outdoor environments can pose risks and this is when seniors are most exposed to accidents. The most common accidents seniors encounter include slips and falls, pedestrian accidents, dog-related incidents, and vehicle collisions.
Many don’t realize the importance of the problem and that’s why US authorities should definitely put more emphasis on the problem and help spread awareness with different initiatives and strategies.
In this post, we’ll cover the different ways local authorities can make streets safer for seniors and we’ll also provide some actionable tips on what to do in case of an accident.
Why is the safety of seniors endangered?
As seniors are encouraged to lead an active life and still find time for outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that they often happen to be the victims of different accidents.
One of the leading causes of injury for seniors are definitely fall-related accidents. According to the CDC, around 36 million older adults fall each year in the U.S., and 3 million are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
That’s a staggering number and it just goes to show that we need to make streets safer for seniors.
Pedestrian accidents also affect seniors. The reasons behind that are slower walking speeds and difficulty assessing traffic.
Also, seniors are at risk of dog bites, with research showing that individuals over the age of 65 make up about 10-12% of all dog bite-related emergency department visits .
Keeping our elderly loved ones safe
It’s important to educate our elderly loved ones and remind them that they need to take extra care when going outside.
There are also other important tips they need to have in mind and it’s equally important to remind them often so that they’re always aware of the risks when going outside.
Crossing the street safely
Encouraging seniors to use designated crosswalks and wait for pedestrian signals to change is crucial for their safety. Many seniors often cross the street with the red lights on or simply cross the street wherever they seem fit and this disrupts traffic and leads to many accidents.
For those with mobility issues, using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can significantly improve stability and reduce accident risks. These aids help maintain balance and increase reaction time when navigating busy streets.
If out at night or in the evening, wearing bright or reflective clothing is a great way for seniors to ensure they are visible to drivers. This simple step can be lifesaving in low-visibility conditions.
With so many drivers speeding and driving recklessly, it’s important for seniors to be easily noticeable for the drivers to react quickly.
Protection from dog-related incidents
Seniors may also face risks from dogs while walking outdoors, whether they are pets or stray animals.
While many dogs are friendly, a significant number of dog bite incidents involve elderly individuals, who may not be as agile or capable of avoiding aggressive animals.
In certain states, such as North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona , the problem is more prominent than in others.
That’s why it’s necessary to teach seniors to recognize the signs of aggression in dogs. For instance, if they notice the dog growling, showing teeth or showing tense body language, it’s important that they step away and not approach the dog.
Unfortunately, seniors are often helpless in these situations especially if the dog does end up attacking them.
If a senior is involved in a dog bite incident, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent infections and other complications.
In cases of such accidents, seniors have legal rights following a dog attack, especially in states like Arizona, which follows strict liability laws for dog owners (the “no-free bite” dog rule). An experienced dog bite attorney could probably provide more information in such situations and help you understand your rights a bit better.
Reducing the risk of vehicle collisions
As traffic increases, so does the potential for seniors to get injured in vehicle-related accidents. Older adults are particularly vulnerable as pedestrians, given their fragility and slower reflexes.
When possible, always encourage your senior loved ones to use sidewalks and pedestrian bridges rather than walking along roadways.
These areas minimize the exposure to traffic and senior residents are protected from the busy roads.
Intersections can be particularly dangerous for seniors. Many accidents happen due to misjudging vehicle speed or drivers not stopping at zebra crossing. Seniors should keep an extra eye out in these situations and not engage in the intersection unless they’re 100% they can.
Choosing safe walking routes
The environment plays a critical role in street safety. Seniors should choose walking routes with good infrastructure, such as pedestrian walkways, ramps, and railings, especially in high-traffic or suburban areas. These routes often feature safer conditions and are well-maintained for senior use.
This is also a reminder for local authorities to ensure such roads exist and are safe for senior residents. These need to be part of every modern city's infrastructure.
The final word
While public spaces provide an excellent opportunity for seniors to stay active, safety must remain a priority. We want our seniors to be active and enjoy the outdoors without fearing for their safety.
By taking simple precautions and being extra careful in busy areas, seniors can spend time outdoors risk-free. However, should accidents happen, seniors need to be aware of their legal rights. And it’s our job to constantly remind our elderly loved ones of their responsibilities as pedestrians to make sure they don’t forget to take the proper safety measures when outside.
Keeping seniors informed and equipped with these strategies will ensure they roam the streets safely while living fulfilling lives.