Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | International Encyclopedia of Transportation |
Publication date | 2021 |
Pages | 415-419 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Abstract
Worldwide, pedestrian crashes is the largest category of road traffic crashes involving children. Crash characteristics and circumstances change with the age of the child and mirror age-related differences in activities and mobility patterns of the involved children. Child pedestrians are vulnerable to serious physical injury due to lack of protection from a vehicle or personal safety equipment. However, crash involvement may also affect the psychological well-being of the child and his/her family. Age-related cognitive capacity influences the child pedestrian's ability to behave safely in traffic, but training, aimed at improvement of strategic skills rather than rule-based skills and knowledge can improve their safety skills. Road environments that support separation of the child pedestrian from traffic, while taking the needs, skills, and perceived safety of the child into account, traffic calming measures, and safe play areas are also of key importance to increase child pedestrian safety.